The Justin Snaith-trained Rock Pool’s eyecatching stride is similar to that of the popular KZN grey After The Rain.
Richard Fourie said afterwards he had always loved Jallad mares and said the “dish” Rockpool had would come from his Jallad dam.
He said the the unusual action was unnoticeable from on top and in fact he felt as if he was gliding past the rest of the field in the straight.
He added, “He’s on the right track for great things, so I’m looking forward to this one.”
Fourie concluded by saying he believed he was “a Derby horse.”
Rockpool is owned by Nick Jonsson and Nancy Hossack.
It was a particularly deserved win for Jonsson, considering he donated R20,000 to the Cape Horse Trust on Saturday.
Snaith said Rockpool was likely to be aimed at the Grade 3 Politician Stakes over 1800m on January 21. That race is the biggest pointer to the Grade 1 Cape Derby.
Earlier, the Snaith-trained Royal Aussie put in a good run in his build up to the R7.5 million WSB Gold Rush.
He is likely to be the Gold Rush horse for ticket holder Suzette Viljoen.
The Peter Muscutt-trained Captain Of All gelding Captain Bombshell, who was fourth to Thunderstruck in last season’s Grade 1 Gold Medallion, won the race.
He was too speedy for the field and won by 1,25 lengths under Muzi Yeni off a 95 merit rating.
Yeni has been riding the Kenilworth 1200m course particularly well and always appears to have a plan in place.
Royal Aussie began well and then stayed on strongly in the closing stages over the too sharp trip.
He was running off a 98 merit rating, so gave Captain Bombshell 1,5kg and was beaten into second by 1,25 lengths.
He displayed an impressive stride and Suzette Viljoen must be excited about his chances in the Gold Rush.
The Royal Mo colt should be ideally suited to the Gold Rush 1600m trip.
