Madison Valley stayed on resolutely from a handy position to win the Gr 3 Hollywoodbets Dolphns Cup Trial over 1800m. (Picture: Candiese Lenferna Photography).
In the traditional Hollywoodbets Durban July pointer, the Gr 3 Hollywoodbets Dolphins Cup Trial over 1800m, the Frank Robinson-trained Madison Valley had excuses for his relatively poor run in the WSB 1900 and his 40/1 odds on Saturday in the Cup Trial were not reflective of his ability.
It was still a surprise to see him able to get into the box seat from draw eight as he is a long strider who stays two miles and he is usually held up. That was an expert bit of riding by Muzi Yeni who was only given the ride on the morning of the race.
Madison Valley then used his long stride to stay on resolutely and beat Underwold by 0,30 lengths with July entries On My Honour and Litigation beaten 0,30 and 0,35 lengths respectively. Winter Games was next best beaten 2,45 lengths and Politician Stakes winner Zeitz was beaten 2,45 lengths.
Madison Valley ran off a 113 merit and will be hoping to not get more than two points for the win.
He has likely booked his place in the Hollywoodbets Durban July and if he comes in with a 115 he will carry the minimum weight for an older male of 54kg, presuming See It Again, Oriental Charm and Gladatorian will be topweights all with 127 merit ratings.
A R220 000 BSA November 2yo Sale graduate, Madison Valley was bred by Clifton Stud and is a 4yo son of deceased Kingmambo stallion Mambo In Seattle out of the five-time winning Al Mufti mare Valdovino, who raced for Verna Roberts.
He is owned by Sid Moodley and this solid middle distance to staying type has now won 5 races with 5 places from 19 starts for stakes of R942 125.
