TIGER Territory won his 10th race from 31 career starts when he swept to victory in a MR104 dash on the Polytrack on July Day at Greyville.

The four-year-old son of Trippi has won six of 14 starts since joining Mike de Kock’s stable midway through 2014 and he’s proven to be game and versatile.

Tiger Territory had won six on sand at the Vaal before this outing but with no conclusive proof that sand performers from the Vaal automatically enjoy the Polytrack, most punters were hesitant to support the gelding and he was easy to support at 12-1 – a giveaway for those who assumed that his sand rating (107) should be applied as a deciding form factor on Greyville’s additional racing surface.

Tiger Territory (Muzi Yeni up) in the winner’s circle accompanied by Mike Wittstock (left) and Ivan Snyman (front).

Racing off MR96 would be to Tiger Territory’s clear advantage if he took to the Polytrack and to the delight of his connections this is exactly what happened.

“With his high sand rating he was always going to have a few pounds in hand, provided he liked the surface,” commented Mike. “Well done to Mathew, who prepared him in Johannesburg for this race.”

Jockey Muzi Yeni enthused: “The Tiger roars again! He liked the Polytrack, I was always looking for a gap and when I asked him to quicken he responded well. Thanks to Mr De Kock, Mathew and the owners.”

Always enthusiatic about Tiger Territory, part-owners Ivan Snyman and Mike Wittstock were on course to lead in their winner on the big day, representing their third partner, Alan Mikhail, who is UK-based.

“What an enjoyable win, this was well worth waiting for!” raved Snyman of the Highlands-bred.