The Justin Snaith-trained Maine Chance Farms-bred gelding Pomp And Power gave the boom sire Vercingetorix (Silvano) a third individual Grade 1 winner and helped him go further ahead in the National Sires Championship when romping home in the Jonsson Workwear Cape Derby over 2000m under Richard Fourie.
He gave part-owner Greg Bortz a double on the day. Bortz owns him in partnership with Etienne Braun and Greenacres Trust (Nom: Marsh Shirtliff).
Pomp And Power was expected by many to lead but Fourie managed to settle him in midfield after a good break from a tough draw of eight out of eleven.
He ran on superbly in the straight to beat second favourite Universal (Gimmethegreenlight).
The winning margin of 1,50 lengths was flattering to the runner up as Fourie stood up in the saddle a few strides from home.
The favourite Double Superlative (Twice Over) was attempting a Cape Guineas/Cape Derby double and would have also been part of another remarkable double as he is owned by the sponsor’s proprietor Nick Jonsson and the winner of The Diadem in the previous race was owned by the sponsor Khaya Stables.
However, Double Superlative, after sitting in a handy position, was one-paced in the straight and clearly not himself. He did still finish third though, beaten 4,75 lengths.
Senso Unico (Twice Over) stayed on from midfield to be be beaten 6,25 lenghs into fourth, a head in front of Never Ending Rain.
Pomp And Power is a three parts brother to Punta Arenas (Silvano), who was an unlucky second in the Durban July.
He is out of the same mother and his sire Vercingetorix is the son of Punta Arenas’ sire Silvano.
Pomp And Power has shortened into 14/1 fourth favourite for the Hollywoodbets Durban July with the sponsor.
Vercingetorix has now produced a Grade 1 winner over 1200m (Vernichey), over 1600m (Chansonette) and 2000m (Pomp And Power).
His first crop are only five-year-olds, so it is a remarkable feat to be leading the championship.
Picture: Wayne Marks
