Frank Robinson Proves A Point
Drakenstein Stud increased their number of stakes victories for the season to 22 when scoring a one-two in yesterday’s Grade 2 Track And Ball Oaks over 2400m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville.
Brett Crawford is trainer of the winner, the four-year-old Futura filly Pink Tourmaline, and it was a second Grade 2 of the SA Champions Season for him and Luyolo Mxothwa.
Pink Tourmaline has won two stakes events this season.
She is one of Drakenstein’s record-breaking 16 individual stakes winners this season.
She got up late under Louis Mxothwa to deny the gallant Barend Botes and Yolandi Vosloo-trained Light Of The Moon, who is also by Futura.
It was Light Of The Moon’s third successive big race runner up finish, which includes two Grade 2s and a Grade 1.
Muzi Yeni was denied a Derby and Oaks double on the day by just 0,40 lengths.
Silver Maria was third just ahead of the favourite She’s A Keeper and Scented Mistress was next best.
Light Of The Moon took up her favourite front- running role.
She looked to have it won late in the day as she had finally shaken off the persistent challenge of Silver Maria.
However, Pink Tourmaline had in the meantime been running on resolutely down the outside from a position just forward of midfield and caught the small filly when its counted.
Earlier, the Frank Robinson-trained Global View gelding Decorated proved his Hollywoodbets Durban July entry was warranted when winning the Grade 3 Track And Ball Derby over 2400m.
He has already been scratched from the big race but impressed today.
He managed to find extra despite being caught one wide without cover in the running.
He denied Salvatore Mundi (Dynasty) who had sat in second place behind the pacemaker.
The only runner still standing in the July, Silvano’s Timer, finished unplaced so he has no chance of qualifying.
Decorated was bred by Mr and Mrs JR Slade and is owned by DG Cherry.
Picture: Pink Tourmaline denies Light Of The Moon (Candiese Lenferna).
