Unstoppable MJ dominates

For the second time in a month the avid Blue Bulls fan had 4 winners in succession. He rode the Jackpot on the final Saturday of 2019, and this time won the first four legs of the PA.

But riding the PA will have to wait for another day!

Last and most impressive of his quartet was Oratorio filly Labyrinth in the FM 92 over 1600m. She is the first foal of Grade 3 winning Wheredowego, and looks sure to get feature glory herself in the near future.

Well supported from 15-10 into 8-10, she was always travelling sweetly, and once Byleveld eased her into the lead 350m out the race was over as a contest.

Quickstep Lady tried hard but was always chasing shadows, and Labyrinth crossed the line an extremely comfortable 1.75 lengths clear.

“She’s a very nice filly who has a lot more to come. She was very impressive today and now we will be looking for black type” said trainer Vaughan Marshall.

Byleveld’s first winner The Cambo(9-1) was also for his boss. The Kingsbarns filly had been runner up in her last two so wasn’t winning out of turn.

Over The Way(5-2) for Patrick Kruyer, and Priceless Ruler(4-1) for Dennis Drier quickly followed.

The latter was a particularly meritorious victory, taking a highly competitive looking Pinnacle Stakes over 1500m.

The Pathfork gelding sat on the heels of pacemaker

Kenny Trix, and kept on stoutly to beat that one by a length and a quarter.

Favourite King Of Gems(2-1) was third throughout, but failed to quicken when it mattered, and was a further half a length away, beaten with every chance.

Newly gelded Golden Ducat stayed on nicely for fourth, and the half brother to Rainbow Bridge and Hawwaam is worth monitoring closely going forward.

He and King Of Gems could well be locking swords again in the Grade 1 Cape Derby come 22 February.