Fresh win off a rest

Forever Mine hadn’t raced since February, prior to a return Saturday at Turffontein, and, fresh off his rest, outpaced a competitive field including G1 Mercury runner-up William Robertson to win a Pinnacle Stakes over 1450m.

JP van der Merwe rode an enterprising race, taking full advantage of Forever Mine’s handy 52kg weight, and from a wide draw shot straight into the lead, extended to seven lengths and then held him together with a few others charging late. He held on well by 1.75-lengths to beat the classy William Robertson.

JP van der Merwe got Forever Mine swiftly out of the blocks.

Mike noted in his pre-race preview on Betway that Forever Mine would need the run, but that his ‘gut feeling’ was that the five-year-old could place after a rest as he was looking fresh and well. Forever Mine drifted to 14-1 and turned in a nice surprise.

“I must admit I thought he’d need the run a bit more. But he looked exceptionally well in the parade ring and he got to run fresh and free.  He did get a hefty 10kg from the second horse. He came down the ratings by roughly 10 pounds to be competitive again. This win had a lot to do with ratings.

“Forever Mine enjoyed a lovely two-month break in the paddock at Mauritzfontein and I’m expecting him to improve from here, though it won’t be easy to hold the form with runners who were just behind him and giving him chunks of weight. But we’re happy, he’s very sound these days and should win more races.”

Forever Mine, by Vercingetorix out of Amazing Grace, races for the partnership of Mauritzfontein Stud (Nom, Jessica Jell), Mark Campbell, Johnny Geroudis and Wayne Jackson.

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