Cool Gambler wins with authority under Callan Murray (Picture Supplied)
Hollywood Racing had to go to R5 million at the 2024 BSA National Yearling Sale to buy Cool Gambler, who is a Wilgerbosdrift Stud-bred horse by Hawwaam out of the Dansili mare Espumanti, which makes him a three-parts brother to the Hollywoodbets Durban July winner Sparkling Water (Silvano) and a half-brother to Gr 2 Gauteng Guineas winner Spumante Dolce (Vercingetorix).
The Mike and Mathew de Kock-trained Cool Gambler is not an easy customer and that was evident on his debut in March when he started 2/1 favourite over 1160m at Turffontein and he was beaten 8,35 lengths into fifth.
He has since been gelded and today he was more well behaved, although Mathew de Kock and his team had to put plenty of work into him.
He drifted from 2/1 out to 3/1 today after his five month layoff and after jumping well was up with the pace throughout.
He relaxed well despite having no cover.
He showed a good action and quickened well at the 300m mark to put the race top bed.
Murray said he had impressed him more at the races than he had back at home.
Mathew said he had no doubt this was his minimum trip.
The Hawwaams seem to take after the Silvanos in that they blossom as they get older, so there is still hope that Cool Gambler can go places.
