The fact that Gary Player took time out to attend the recent Equus awards at Emperors Palace is outstanding. The fact he added another notable quote was a bonus for our annual Oscars.

 

To be honest, SA’s golf legend is almost too good to be true. At 86 years of age, most people are doddery. You feel Gary could easily have a debate with Boris Johnson.

 

If one googles Gary’s quotes, one will find numerous of the maestro’s sayings in his illustrious career.

 

“The harder you work, the luckier you get” and “A strong mind is one of the key components that separates the great from the good.”

 

Discussing his passion for golf and racing in a 4Racing clip on Equus night, Gary said: “you can study them (the two sports) all your life and end up knowing a helluva lot about nothing.”

 

Wise words, indeed, though I believe Gary would go along with the belief that the emergence of Tiger Woods at the start of his career was a shot in the arm for golf.

 

Similarly, Baaeed’s victory in last month’s Juddmonte International at York was seen as a shot in the arm for racing after two years in the wilderness because of Covid.

 

William Derby, chief executive at York, told the media “It was a week in the sun with star horses and jockeys doing the talking.”

 

“Baaeed put up a spine-chilling performance and he got a fantastic reception from the crowd reminiscent of Frankel and Sea The Stars.”

 

The latter is the sire of William Haggas’ champion.

 

Haggas commented: “It was a superlative performance and very satisfying to see him on the bridle a furlong and a half out.”

 

Then the praise from jockey Jim Crowley who summed it up in a few words saying “He’s as good as the greats.”

 

To make sure I had a perfect view of the York race for which 4Racing generously came to the party, I took my position on the County Stand a full 30 minutes before the race. After a long journey, it was essential to get the best view.

 

After the race, a friend turned to me and asked: “you were here for Frankel in 2012 which was the most impressive?”

 

My reply: “I would give it marginally to Baaeed – it was the way he stuck out his chest with pride in the run to the wire.”

 

Did it eclipse the Melbourne Cup win by Makybe Diva which racing writer, Charl Pretorius, and I witnessed in 2005. Yes, it did.

 

Now practically every racing fan is hoping that owner Sheikha Hiisa will give the green light to run in the Arc at Longchamp on October 2. It is the pinnacle of European racing and one feels the alternative – the Champion Stakes at Ascot – would prove nothing about Haggas’ star that we don’t already know.

 

So – if Baaeed – does turn up at Longchamp, who are his most serious rivals.

 

ALPINISTA (13-2): Ever since his Yorkshire Oaks win, trainer Sir Mark Prescott has made no secret that he’s sweet on the chance of his mare. He quipped: “good horses get beaten in the Arc.”

The mare has been the model of consistency with her Yorkshire Oaks (had a hard race) official rating of 120 backing up four 118 efforts in Europe.

 

TITLEHOLDER (6-1): One of four possible runners from Japan. Talented performer and would be a first ride in the race for jockey Kazuo Yokoyama.

 

TORQUATOR TASSO (7-1): Sprang a 72-1 surprise in last year’s Arc, but the German champion proved this was no flash in the pan with a huge performance to finish second in the King George.

 

VADENI (8-1): Trainer Jean-Claude Rouget is targeting the Irish Champion Stakes but a tilt at the Arc has not been ruled out. A good judge tells me the trainer is housing a possible longshot in Al Hakeem, winner of the Prix Giullanme d’Ornano.

 

PYLEDRIVER (14-1): King George winner trained by William Muir and Chris Grassick. At five years of age, he’s shown top form this term.

 

Latest Paddy Power betting: 4-6 Baaeed (money back if doesn’t run) 6-1 Titleholder 13-2 Alpinista 7-1 Torquator Tasso 8-1 Vadeni 12-1 Others

 

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I have not had the pleasure of meeting owners Suzette and Basie Viljoen and – to be honest – felt they had struck gold with their first dig. Hundreds of other owners have spent years digging deep (in their pockets) with no sign of a champion.

 

Also, how would they measure up against Chris Van Niekerk, the many-times champion owner who backed the sport with great enthusiasm and investment for two decades? 

 

But what has really impressed me is that they have given a horse (Grand Destiny) to a new lady-on-the-block, Kelly Mitchley, and enjoyed almost instant success with a victory at Fairview on Monday.

 

The fact that the Viljoens are supporting smaller yards – many struggling to make ends meet – can only be praised and few would deny the night of glory on August 24 when they captured the “Horse-of-the-Year” award with Captain’s Ransom.

 

Hopefully, if the filly wins the Queen’s Plate or Paddock Stakes, she will receive another Breeders Cup invitation and this time the Viljoens will accept.

 

Like Baaeed going to Ascot, there’s nothing more to prove here.