It was a memorable day on Saturday for trainer Lucky Houdalakis and owner Dave Shawe as they grabbed the exacta together in the WSB Grand Heritage, an amazing feat considering there were 27 runners.
The five-year-old Drakenstein Stud-bred Duke Of Marmalade gelding Duke Of Sussex continues to be progressive and came in to the race with a possibly capped merit rating, considering he won his previous race by five lengths but was given the maximum eight point raise.
Meanwhile, Houdalakis had pulled off another fine training when Dyce returned from a layoff of around a year-and-a-half to win second time out. This speedster has a terrific action and had fine two-year-old form, culminating in a dominant 4,30 length victory in the Grade 2 Umkhomazi Stakes over 1200m at Hollywodbets Greyville. He had looked himself in that recent second run after the long layoff, so Houdalakis supplemented him for the Grand Heritage.
Dyce had to give Duke Of Sussex 3,5kg, but, after being prominent in the running, looked the winner when accelerating from about the 600m mark and showing no signs of stopping.
However, he was caught late by Duke Of Sussex, who came from off the pace and still looked to have a bit in hand when crossing the line half-a-length clear under JP van der Merwe.
However, another aspect of the race which was noticeable was Dyce took a visibly strong hold under Muzi Yeni, so he did well to stay on so strongly.
On that performance Dyce looked like he would appreciate the step back down to 1200m.
He was raised by the handicappers from 101 to 105 for the second place finish, while Duke Of Sussex was raised from 94 to 100.
Dyce should rise above that merit rating, but if able to come into the Grade 1 Golden Horse Sprint at Hollywoodbets Scottsville over 1200m on June 3 next year with bottom weight, he will take a power of beating.
However, six months is a long time in which to protect a merit rating, so the yard are likely to go for other features before then.
However, it would be no surprise to see him initially dropping back to 1200m.
He did stay the 1400m on Saturday though, so if learning to race within himself there will be a number of other opportunities for this exciting individual.
William Longsword is turning out to be a fine sire, whose progeny are progressive and Dave Shawe looks to have a lot to look forward to with Dyce.
Duke Of Sussex could also be aimed at some features now.
