No Gray areas for St John in Cup

St John Gray is South African horseracing’s equivalent of people like Orson Welles, Charlie Chaplin and Woody Allen, who write, direct, produce and star in their own movies.

Chaplin even wrote the music for most of his films but Gray acknowledges he probably couldn’t do that.

He has two runners in tomorrow’s WSB Gauteng Summer Cup, Christopher Robin and Dance Class, and both were bred and are owned and trained by him. The only thing he is unable to do is ride them – in a race, anyway.

He has had remarkable success with his breeding operation and while most people might feel he has “the knack”, Gray disagrees.

“I’m blessed. I’ve been very fortunate, as the stallions I have are very uncommercial. Many people would just chuck out the progeny, but because they belong to me, I keep them and race them, and I have had quite a lot of success.”

Dance Class won six in a row and then went on to place three times. She was second favourite for the Cup in the early betting, but is now at 25/1, as is Christopher Robin.

“She will need a good pace to give of her best,” said Gray.

Christopher Robin has won six races from 26 starts, including the Grade 2 Victory Moon Stakes which guaranteed him his place in the Summer Cup.

“I call him my iron horse because he loves to compete.

“In fact, I tried to nominate for the MMA (mixed martial arts) but they wouldn’t take the nomination,” quipped Gray.

“He’s peaking at the right time. He couldn’t have won the Victory Moon in that fashion if not fit. He worked like a bomb last Saturday and put up brilliant work again on Tuesday. He’s ready.”

Gray feels any rain will enhance his runner’s chances.

“I’ve got my rain dancer outside right now.”