MUSIR lived up to his name as he bounded clear in the closing stages to win the Grade 1 Zulu Kingdom Explorer Golden Horseshoe for two-year-olds over 1400m at Greyville on Saturday, writes JACK MILNER of Racing Express. 

”His name is means ‘determination’ in Arabic,’’ explained trainer Mike de Kock.  ”(Owner) Sheikh Mohammed (Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum) was determined to keep him, even turning down $900,000 at the sales in Australia. 

Musir, in a race of his own!

”We think he’s quite a special horse. He’s one of the better juveniles I’ve seen.’’

De Kock’s foursome was reduced to a duo with the withdrawal of Mr Crazy Boy and Storm Vanidoso but Musir, who was well drawn at No 4, went off favourite at 22-10. August Rush came flying out from his poor draw and took the field along and by the time they turned for home Gavin Lerena had his mount some five lengths clear. 

Halfway up the straight it appeared the tactics would pay off but Anthony Delpech on Musir had August Rush in his sites and in a matter of strides moved alongside and then drew away to win by 3.50 lengths from Straight Forward, Exclaim’N`exclude and Solid Choice while August Rush stopped late to finish sixth. 

”When I asked him he just turned it on,’’ said Delpech. ”I don’t think there are too many who can go with him.’’