The Andre Nel-trained Vercingetorix gelding Zeitz dominated the early South African racing headlines on Saturday after winning the Gr 2 Allied Steelrode Onamission Charity Mile at Turffontein Standside.
Serino Moodley has always had a high regard for the now five-year-old Sabine Plattner-owned Maine Chance Farms-bred Zeitz and it was fitting he played a big part in the grey’s biggest win to date. He had him relaxed from the off and found a position just backward of midfield one out with cover. He turned for home with about eight lengths to make up as Zinovi led the dangerous Otto Luyken, who looked to have plenty still to come. Moodley allowed Zeitz to creep up under the hands and his supporters would have had hope a long way out as he was making up ground rapidly on the outside and was showing no signs of tiring. Moodley had got to work at the 500m mark with the hands and he drew the stick at the 300m mark. Zeitz hit top gear and it was clear in the last 200m he was going to fetch Otto Luyken, who was getting the better of Choisaanada, although Cosmic Speed was also challenging on the inside rail. Cosmic Speed Joined Otto Luyken at the 50m mark, but by that time the eyecatching grey had put his nose in front and he went on to win by half-a-length.
Nel had worked out a fine preparation route, knowing Zeitz runs well fresh, and had opted for just one build up run, a 1400m Conditions Plate at Hollywoodbets Greyville about four weeks before the Charity Mile. He had shown his well-being there with an eyecatching second in which he ran on strongly. Byron Forster and his team did a fine job of taking care of Zeitz and preparing him at Summerveld.
Zeitz was rated 114 going into the race, so Gr 1 wfa miles would be a big step up, but he is an ever improving sort and would not be out of place in them.
Five-year-old Querari entire Cosmic Speed put up his hand to be a contender for races like the Gr 1 wfa Wilgerbosdrift HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes, a race he won two seasons ago. He gave Zeitz 3,5kg and was the best performed horse in the race.
Otto Luyken put in a fine Betway Summer Cup preparation. He received half-a-kilogram from the winner off his 113 rating and was beaten 0,55 lengths. He has now shortened into 14/1 for the Summer Cup with Hollywoodbets.
Greaterix ran an encouraging 0,85 length fourth receiving 2kg from the winner and he was staying on despite the mile probably being at the end of his distance range.
Splittheeitghts showed a fine turn of foot at the top of the straight and sliced through the field from midfield. He stayed on without finding the necessary extra, but that was understandable as it was his first run for eight months. He received 3kg from the winner and was beaten 1,10 lengths and it was no surprise to see him supplemented for the Betway Summer Cup before Tuesday’s second entry deadline.
Grand Empire caught the eye running on for a 1,15 length sixth receiving 2kg from the winner and he will be a contender in the Betway Summer Cup, for which he is a 25/2 shot.
Moodley confirmed Zeitz was his favourite horse to ride. He has ridden him 12 times and has been aboard for six of his seven victories.
