Trying the 2400m trip for the first time, The United States’ daughter United Council enjoyed a well-judged ride by Smanga Khumalo as she finished with purpose to win the R150 000 non black-type 4Racing Sun Chariot Handicap at Turffontein on Saturday.
Trained by Robbie Sage, United Council came in fresh off a seven week break as she stepped up in trip to beat a solid field of her peers.
Smanga Khumalo guides United Council to a smart win (Pic – JC Photos)
Tracking the pacesetters Flying First Class and Namaqua Blossom for much of the trip, United Council (6-1) was given every chance and had enough in reserve to thwart a nice late rattle from Special Charm (10-1) by three quarters of a length in a time of 156,22 secs.
Favourite Namaqua Blossom (28-10) stopped late and was beaten a further 5,25 lengths back in third.
Defending champion Apache Warrior (28-10) was the first horse beaten at the 350m marker and ran a disappointing race to run last of the seven.
Raced by longstanding Gauteng owner Colin Bird, the winner was bred by Ascot Stud and is a daughter of Moutonshoek’s Galileo stallion The United States out of the twice-winning Danehill Dancer mare, Unconditional.
A winner of 3 races with 3 places from 10 starts for stakes of R228 250, United Council was a R270 000 BSA National 2yo Sale graduate.
Enjoy the replay:
