Despite a kickstart of R1 million, the Gauteng Pick 6 pool again fell short of expectations at the Vaal on Saturday, with the exotic reaching R4 297 647 against the R5 million target figure.
With a few upset results along the way, the Pick 6 paid R39 178, the last two legs falling to favourites, with Lucky Houdalakis’ Dark Tide getting punters on track when he stormed home under a powerful S’manga Khumalo ride to hold off the attentions of impressive recent maiden winner, Push Off, to win the World Sports Betting Heritage Consolation by a nose in a time of 88,32 secs.
S’manga Khumalo gets Dark Tide home ahead of Luke Ferraris and Push Off in a thriller (Pic – JC Photos)
It was a terrific ride by Khumalo, who was stood down afterwards, and the victory was vindication of a smart decision by trainer Lucky Houdalakis to skip the alternative option of just being a passenger in the feature event.
“He was in under sufferance and I would not have found a jockey in the Grand Heritage. That’s why I’m glad they reopened nominations for the Consolation,” said Houdalakis, who clearly has the 4yo son of Captain Of All (Captain Al) headed in the right direction.
An excited owner, Veterinary Surgeon Dr Melandi Taljaard, said that many people didn’t realise what jockeys went through to make the weight for some rides.
She was thrilled and nearly overcome by emotion. She said that breeder Hanno Joubert of La Berg Stud had already telephoned her as she made her way to the lead in.
While no sales price is recorded, she referred to her ‘R15 000 baby’ and gave a thumbs up to La Berg as breeders of genuine value horses.
“I loved him at the Cape Premier Yearling Sale, but he didn’t get a bid,” she added.
The winner is out of the Malhub mare, Tokara, and has won 3 races with 5 places from 12 starts for stakes of R200 450.
