Durbanville victory sets up Charles for big race glory

Ken Nicol

Newly gelded Charles put his name forward as a serious contender for big race glory this summer with a hugely impressive victory in the Pinnacle Stakes at Durbanville on Saturday.

Drawn wide over what seemed an inadequate 1400m, Brett Crawford’s charge was allowed to drift out to 10-1, as obvious form choice Twist Of Fate shortened into odds-on.

But that one appeared to need the run badly and faded to finish a very disappointing fifth.

Charles had raced three wide throughout but quickly moved up to challenge in the straight and stormed clear with authority 200m out and won by 1.5 lengths.

“He’s always had the ability, but gelding has transformed him. This distance is at the bottom of his range and I was really impressed with him today,” said the currently red-hot Crawford.

Keagan de Melo rode as regular rider Corne Orffer was suspended and summed it up best. “He gave me goosebumps.” Another who clearly marked himself as one to follow was Wild Coast in the MR 79 Handicap over the same trip.

The first foal of champion Beach Beauty is similar to his mother in being rather unimposing to look at.

But he has certainly inherited her massive ability and turn of foot.

After seeming to momentarily be in trouble 250m he quickened fluently to cruise past useful stable companion Savvy, and Richard Fourie was allowed the luxury of easing up in the final strides.

“He’s definitely one to follow, but is small and immature and will take time,” was Jonathan Snaith’s comment.

“The way he did it today was impressive. He looks round now but in six months you’ll see a serious horse,” said Richard Fourie.

And he later completed another treble for the Snaiths after also being successful on Aye Aye and Winter Is Over.