THE three-year-old Fort Wood colt, Dynasty, easy winner of Saturday's R150 000, Grade 2 Selangor Cup over 1 600 metres at Kenilworth Racecourse, was described after the event by jockey Karl Neisius as the "best horse I have ever ridden."

Trainer Dean Kannemeyer, displaying his usual dignified response, appeared hard-pressed to contain his obvious delight at the way his charge took command of his rider and the race, pulling Neisius through to the front in the home straight and drawing effortlessly away from the opposition.

Kannemeyer said he was looking forward to Dynasty's next race in four weeks time, the Cape Argus Guineas, where he will meet the best of the other top three-year-olds in the country.

The colt, bred by Mrs Mary Slack at her Wilgerbosdrift Stud out of the American-bred Commodore Blake mare, Blakes Affair, took his racing record to four wins and a second from five starts and won in a manner suggesting his ultimate mission for the year 2003 would undoubtedly be the Vodacom Durban July at Greyville in Durban during the winter season.

Describing Dynasty as the best horse he had ever ridden was a statement by Neisius of monumental proportions, seeing as in past years he has ridden numerous top thoroughbreds including, most recently, Free My Heart, and before that the likes of Flaming Rock.

Some have labelled the colt "the next Horse Chestnut" and they could well be right, but it is still very early and he has yet to meet many of the other top three-year-olds in the country. However, he has shown an ability well above most of what we have seen so far and the Cape Argus Guineas will give a better idea of the true potential of this magnificent animal.

The Guineas promises to be an outstanding race with potential runners like Chief Warrior and Ginko Tree who filled the minor placings on Saturday and Dingaans winner, Surveyor. Add to this Danziga, Fort Danzig, Malachite, Laredo Gold, Sevillano, Take Silk, Raise A Ratoon and Thornfield and the stage could be set for one of the best classic clashes in many years.

Issued by:  Gill Simpkins

Communications Officer
Gold Circle (Pty) Ltd