The stipendiary report for the Matchem said, “At the 200m SILVER OPERATOR (G van Niekerk) shifted out, carried TRIP OF FORTUNE (A Domeyer) outwards and made contact with TRIP OF FORTUNE (A Domeyer) at the 100m. As a result, TRIP OF FORTUNE (A Domeyer) became momentarily unbalanced, shifted in and brushed SILVER OPERATOR (G van Niekerk) shortly before the finish. A member of the Stipendiary Board called a race review regarding this incident, which was followed by an Objection being lodged by him on behalf of the 2nd placed horse TRIP OF FORTUNE (A Domeyer) against the winner SILVER OPERATOR (G van Niekerk) on the grounds of interference in the latter stages. The Objection Board, after giving due regard to the evidence put forward, reviewing the patrol films and giving consideration to the margin of 0,05 of a length between the two horses concerned, was of the opinion that but for the interference TRIP OF FORTUNE would have finished ahead of SILVER OPERATOR had this incident not occurred and therefore upheld the Objection.”
Drakenstein broke a record last season by being breeders of 18 individual stakes winners.
They have started this season in similar vein and their homebreds, Santa Maria (Corne Orffer) and Trip Of Fortune (Aldo Dpmeyer), both by Trippi and both trained by Candice Bass-Robinson, respectively won the Grade 3 Hollywoodbets Diana Stakes and the Grade 3 Hollywoodbets Matchem Stakes, both over 1400m, at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday.
Drakenstein have already had four individual stakes winners this season, so are statistically on track to beat their own record.
Both Trip Of Fortune and Santa Maria are coming into their own in the typical fashion of Bass-trained four-year-olds and will be exciting prospects for the rest of the season.
The Matchem Stakes saw a feature race result decided in the boardroom for the second weekend in succession.
Meanwhile, Cape three-year-old champion from last season, the Justin Snaith-trained Pomp And Power, did his reputation for misbehaviour no good, delaying the start by refusing to load.
The stipendiary report stated, “In view of the report from the starter regarding POMP AND POWER (R Fourie), this gelding’s starting stall certificate has been withdrawn for 7 days and he is suspended in terms of Rule 61.6.10 and until such time as he proves to be tractable with a companion on a race day. Suspension dates: 02/10/2022 to 08/10/2022 inclusive). POMP AND POWER may not be presented for re-passing during this period.”
