Marauding Horde finally broke through over 2400m, winning a Pinnacle Stakes at Turffontein on Saturday from the accomplished stayer, Zeus. He gave Mike and Mathew de Kock, and his connections, a good measure of confidence for future stayer’s features.
Jockey Nathan Klink rode the four-year-old gelding by Vercingetorix to a two-length win and said: “He was tugging a bit early, but then switched off and got into a beautiful rhythm. He’s a decent stayer.”
It looked, briefly, as if Klink had stepped on the pedal too soon, but in pressing Marauding Horde for an early effort, he put the top weight Zeuz under pressure to stay on his heels down the long straight. In the end, Marauding Horde’s light weight made the difference, and he drew confidently clear.
Mike said: “I’ve always thought that he would make a good stayer. He’s failed over 2400m a few times, but he’s just taken time and maybe he wasn’t 100 percent because I ran him too quickly after other runs. I think he can win us a reasonable race for stayers. Thanks to the partnership, they are all very patient and wonderful people to train for. It was good to have Laurence Wernars on course because nobody enjoys a winner like Laurence!”
Laurence Wernars with Marauding Horde.
Mike said that he was impressed with Klink’s ride. “I told Nathan to get him into a good breathing rhythm so we, the ones watching, could also get into a good breathing rhythm. He made his move at a good time.”
Marauding Horde, now a winner of five races, competes for Wernars, Drakenstein Stud, Maine Chance, Wilgerbosdrift Stud, Ridgemont Stud, Lammerskraal Stud and Devin Heffer.
Ridgemont and Heffer also own Easy Tiger, who remained unbeaten with her second success, in Race 1 over 1000m. Easy Tiger quickened and ran strongly to beat Glastonbury. She was green in the run to the wire and jockey Richard Fourie had to change his hold and give her a straightening reminder, but the win was impressive all the same.
Easy Tiger (nearest camera), unbeaten after two runs.
“She’s quite spunky, but she travelled well and picked them up quite nicely. She’s a nice filly, a good mover,” said Fourie.
Mike commented: “Easy Tiger is still very naughty. She has good acceleration and the further she goes, the better she’ll be. It’s three from three for our association (with Ridgemont and partners) and I’m sure everyone is happy. Julia Kieswetter (from Ridgemont) is here, she is the one responsible for all these youngsters.”
Julia noted that she was currently working with about 80 young horses on the Kieswetter family’s Robertson farm.
Julia Kieswetter with Easy Tiger.
