Surcharge finally scores big in Daily News
Majestic Mambo going for the July
“This is the best I’ve ever trained and will ever will train,” said trainer Stuart Pettigrew following Surcharge’s emphatic 0.75-length triumph in the R2 million Grade 1 Daily News 2000 at Greyville on Saturday.
“People simply don’t understand how good this horse is,” he said.
Surcharge was runner-up in all three legs of the Triple Crown and his consistency was finally rewarded.
Fortunately the three-year-old was smartly drawn at No 4 on this occasion. He was confidently stationed three-from-last approaching the 400m by Gunter Wrogemann.
“Stuart had this horse spot on,” he admitted. “I feel for Piere (Strydom) because Surcharge is a horse who doesn’t help you at all. But as we turned into the straight he said ‘I’m here’ and I must say he quickened instantly.”
The highly-rated Majestic Mambo dropped anchor under Callan Murray and, had many lengths to make up with stablemate Alssakhra who set the pace upfront.
Do It Again, the 16-10 favourite hit the front at the 200m marker but that lead was short lived. His stride surprisingly shortened once pressured by White River and Tap O’ Noth. The latter proved he stays 2000m – it could pay to follow.
Majestic Mambo produced a lethal turn of foot at the 50m but Surcharge was well ahead and had 0.75 lengths to spare past the line – winning his first Grade 1.
“I honestly believe he (Surcharge) came out of those runs (three seconds) a better horse and, as a fouryear old he’s going to be an even better horse,” said Pettigrew.
This Gimmethegreenlight colt will not take part in this year’s July confirmed the trainer.
“He’ll rest now, he’s done his job. He’s had hard racing – we’ve got our Grade 1. You won’t see him again this summer.”
There was plenty to like about Majestic Mambo’s performance. He made up tremendous ground over the last 100m.
“This was his first run outside Turffontein so it was all strange and new to him,” said Peter. “We’re very happy with the run. He’ll improve on it. We’re going for the July now.”
Tap O’ Noth finished third and Do It Again rounded off the Quartet which paid R1 556.