JOCKEY Randall Simons rode a very good race to get Mitraad up in the final strides to win Saturday’s Listed Advance Fire Systems Secretariat Stakes over 1400m on the standside track at Turffontein, reports JACK MILNER, editor of Racing Express.
However, with no false rail in play, the inside rail was not always the best place to be and that was the case for Mutamakkin.
Mitraad (Simons, noseband,middle), stayed on best to win by a short head.
The race looked to be heading for a blanket finish as a number of runners were in contention and 10-1 shot Prince Of Orange appeared to be heading for a bit of an upset when he kept on strongly to hold off Mitraad, Fah Fee, Mutamakkin and Bichett who were all looking dangerous.
However, Simons and his mount dug deep to get up close home and win by a head from Prince Of Orange. Fah Fee was just 0.40 lengths back in third while 3-1 favourite Mutamakkin got fourth, beaten one length. A neck behind him followed Bichett.
Mitraad was having only his third run, winning on debut and then running just one length off Zambezi River in his next start. The winner went off to Cape Town and won the R2-million Lanzerac Ready To Run Cup at Kenilworth. Because of his draw, Mitraad went off at 9-2.
“With his wide draw I thought Mutamakkin was the right horse from the stable but with no false rail it was hard for him,” said Simons.
“This is a very nice horse and I think he is looking for more ground.”
Mitraad gave Sheikh Hamdan a Listed winner to add to his Gr1 success with Majmu in Cape Town, on the same afternoon.
