The visiting Tony Peter yard got onto the World Pool Gold Cup day feature boards early on Sunday when Craig Zackey rode a big finish to get Meridius up on the line to win the R150 000 Listed @worldpool Twitter Handicap.
Backed from 14-1, the Winterbach Stud-bred gelding made it three wins from his last four starts and registered two in a row for ex Ashley Fortune runners after Cala Muretta won the second, when he swept up the outside to nab the gallant Battle Force.
With under 2 lengths separating the top five home, Meridius (13-2) got the verdict by 0,20 lengths in a time of 95,75 secs.
Craig Zackey gets Meridius up to win (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
The 50-1 Battle Force is clearly enjoying the mile after showing his paces as a speedster earlier in his career and stayed on like a soldier for second, ahead of Captain Fontane (17-2).
Trainer Tony Peter said that Meridius had put up great work and was a horse demeanour.
“Well done to Craig Zackey – he couldn’t get in but rode a patient race. And then I would like to dedicate the win to Joao Da Mata, the Viljoens and the Playgate Racing Syndicate. All owners who have committed support to me,” he added.
A R150 000 National Yearling Sale graduate, the winner is a gelded son of Ridgemont’s international stallion Canford Cliffs (Tagula) out of the five time winning Parade Leader mare, Zili.
Now a winner of 5 races with 8 places from 16 starts, Meridius took his stakes earnings to R450 625.
Enjoy the replay here:
