Royal Victory pictured going down for last year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July. The ultra consistent campaigner will be out to win a third career Gr 1 on Sunday and thereby give the legendary Piere Strydom a perfect send off. (Cadiese Lenferna Photography)
Nathan Kotzen said the Pathfork gelding Royal Victory was in fine shape ahead of his run in Sunday’s vintage renewal of the Gr 1 HKJC Champions Cup over 1800m at Hollywoodbets Greyville.
He added, “He came out of the July very well. I wan’t going to run him but my Boet (brother Glen Kotzen) said to me, ‘No man, supplement him and run him’. So I went ahead and supplemented him.”
Royal Victory ran a terrific race in the Hollywoodbets Durban July from draw 17 out of 18.
He and ran on strongly from way back for a 2,85 length fourth, despite carrying 59kg and giving the winner, The Real Prince, 2,5kg.
Royal Victory was in fact the second best performed horse in the race behind only Eight On Eighteen, who looks likely to be named Equus Horse Of The Year.
Nathan pointed out, “I think he was the fastest fom 800m to finish and second fastest from 400m to finish … from the 400m he was only slower than the winner.”
Royal Victory will provide the legendary Piere “Striker” Strydom with the final Gr 1 ride of his illustrious career as the horse’s regular rider Muzi Yeni is currently serving a suspension.
Nathan said, “I think Striker will suit him with his style of riding and the way the horse likes to run.”
Royal Victory likes to come from off the pace and there is no better rider around than Piere Strydom on horses who have to be waited with.
Nathan added, “It is not a big field, ony eight runners, so he will not be far out of his ground turning for home. He comes from off the pace in any case, so I am not worried about the draw (seven).”
He concluded, “He pulled up well, he is sound-sound, and is doing well. I haven’t had to do much with him , he is fit and ready. I have just had to keep him ticking over.”
Hollywoodbets make Royal Victory an 8/1 chance.
Nathan runs the fine prospect World Of Royalty in the Gr 1 World Pool Moment Of The Day Champion Stakes over 1600m.
He recorded a good time when winning his maiden over this trip and made up a lot of ground in the straight with his big stride.
Nathan said, “I think he has got the ability, but I just don’t know whether he is mentally ready for it.”
World Of Royalty, who is by One World out of a Pathfork mare, is drawn six and the under-rated Chad Little rides.
Hollywoodbets make World Of Royalty a 25/1 shot, so he looks to be good each way value.
