The Erico Verdonese trained Emerald Bay benefitted from a well-judged Craig Zackey ride to get Pick 6 punters off to a rocky start to a tough afternoon at Turffontein on Saturday.
Craig Zackey keeps Emerald Bay galloping (Pic – JC Photographics)
Enjoying her handy galloping weight of 52kgs, plus a kilo over weight for Zackey’s services, Emerald Bay allowed Witchraft to do the donkey work, as she followed in stalk mode all the way round the 2400m of the R135 000 Sun Chariot Handicap.
At the 400m, Emerald Bay was given the nod and she stayed on well as Witchcraft started to labour under her weight.
Starting at 15-1, Emerald Bay was too strong and beat Witchraft by 0,70 lengths in a time of 158,22 secs.
Arte was next best in third.
Fancied topweight Patchit Up Baby ran a rare flat race and finished out of the money.
Seeking Gold, who has consistent form, almost lost rider Dennis Schwarz in running and finished last.
Bred by Erico Verdonese, Emerald Bay is a daughter of Mullins Bay (Machiavellian)out of the three-time winner Model Emblem (National Emblem).
She has won 4 races with 7 places from 17 starts for stakes of R347 525.
