Madison Valley cruised to a comfortable win in an important Conditions Plate race over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday (Picture: Candiese Lenferna)
Frank Robinson was thrilled with Madison Valley’s win in a strong Conditions Plate event over 1400m at Hollywodbets Greyville on Sunday.
He was particularly pleased with the manner of the win.
The five-year-old Clifton Stud-bred Mambo In Seattle gelding was given just two backhanders in the straight.
His long stride took him effortlessly to the front late in the race and he won by 1,80 lengths, from the Paul Lafferty-trained lightweight Bruh, with Claw, On My Honour, Gimmefabulous and Royal Victory next best in a race which ended up having nine runners after the controversial scratching Of See It Again.
Robinson said an agreement to have Craig Zackey on for the Betway Summer Cup, and for the build up races, had been made about a month ago.
However, he is now in two minds whether to run him in the Gr 2 Allied-Steelrode Onamission Charity Mile at Turffontein Standside on November 1 or to just go for the Conditions Plate race over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on November 7.
Madison Valley was raised one point to 116 for his win on Sunday and Robinson is weary of getting more points for running well in the Charity Mile.
At present with See It Again and Royal Victory the highest rated entries on 125, Madison Valley will have a nice galloping weight of 55,5kg in the Summer Cup.
The Robinson yard also have the Ideal World filly Mocha Blend in the Summer Cup.
In her seasonal reappearance over 1600m on the poly she flew up late to finish a 0,30 lengths second to Rollo The Viking, whom Frank used to train but whom is now trained by Nathan Kotzen.
He has a high regard for this 104-merit rated filly and the Listed Yellowwood Handicap for fillies and mares over 1800m at the Allied-Steelrode Charity Mile meeting on November 1 is a possibility for her, otherwise she might have to go for the Gr 3 Betway Victory Moon Stakes over 1800m, also at Turffontein Standside on November 9.
Frank’s top class sprinter Cats Pajamas might also be going to the Summer Cup meeting.
Last time out this 121 Rafeef gelding was seen flying up from a wide draw to finish a fine 1,40 length third to I Am Giant at level weights in an A Stakes race over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Greyville.
Frank believes this Gr 2 Umkhomazi Stakes winner is better around the turn and will likely avoid the Gr 3 New Turf Carriers Mechants on Summer Cup day and rather run in a Pinnacle Stakes event over 1400m.
Meanwhile, Madison Valley is a 10/1 shot with the sponsor the Summer Cup, while Mocha Blend is a 33/1 chance.
