The Glen Kotzen-trained star colt Cousin Casey galloped at Kenilworth yesterday morning under big race jockey Grant van Niekerk and the team were thrilled with his final big preparation workout before the R2.5 million Grade 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas on December 17.
Cousin Casey, who has won his last five starts including one Grade 1, two Grade 2s and a Listed event, worked together with the Tab4Racing Algoa Cup winner Han Solo.
Cousin Casey sat about three or four lengths behind Han Solo before moving up and they then came home together.
Van Niekerk said afterwards Cousin Casey was feeling better than he did when galloping ten days out from his win in the Grade 2 Cape Punters Cup.
Kotzen said he was now a fitter horse and wouldn’t have blown out a candle afterwards.
“It was a very good gallop and we are very excited,” said Kotzen.
He continued, “Grant is not worried about the draw (15) and said it might be a blessing in disguise because he can stay out of the hustle and bustle.”
Cousin Casey is by leading sire Vercingetorix out of unplaced Casey Tibbs mare Bretton Woods, who is a full-sister to Kotzen’s Durban July winner Big City Life.
He said Cousin Casey had inherited his exceptional racing temperament from his dam.
He elaborated, “If you chase him up from the start, he will come back to you.”
This is unlike most horses, who are difficult to restrain if set alight from the off.
Kotzen said all of Bretton Wood’s progeny had inherited that trait.
Kotzen said Cousin Casey was not tall and his biggest asset was his balance.
However, he added, “He has doubled in size recently. Previously he could hardly look over the stable door, but he is now about 16 hands.”
Comparing Cousin Casey to Big City Life he said the former still had a lot to do to match the latter but added, “At this same stage Cousin Casey is better than Big was.”
The yard know the family of Cousin Casey exceptionally well because Glen’s mother-in-law Judy Wintle bred Big City Life and a few of his other relatives.
Han Solo was also bred by Judy.
He was named by Glen’s wife Cathy.
Han Solo’s dam is called I’m Too Sexy (Model Man).
Han Solo is a fictional hero in the Star Trek series and is apparently good looking, hence he was a relevant name for a son of I’m Too Sexy.
The horse is good looking himself and will be running in the Grade 2 Peninsula Handicap over 1800m on the day of the Cape Guineas.
Kotzen said he was in devastating form and added, “He has a good draw and has a lot going for him. He looks amazing.”
