ROTHMANS REVIEW

View Rothmans July Result

In a race run a searching gallop the HERBAGER-line runner rose to his pedigree to outdual the HERBAGER inbred.

The great French racehorse and sire HERBAGER is such an influential stallion that he has been designated the most elite title in the hierarchy of the thoroughbred - "chefs-de-race" (head of the herd). Chefs-de-race are the cornerstone of the breed, the genetic superpowers whose influence in a pedigree is often overriding. Chefs can be brilliant (1000 - 1400 m), intermediate (1200 - 2000 m) or stout (2000 - 4200m).

HERBAGER won the French Derby (2400 m), Prix Grefullhe (2100 m), Prix Hocquart (2400 m) and Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (2500 ) and was a dominant breeder of classic and stout runners in Europe and North America.

HERBAGER'S only son to have stood in South Africa was ST CUTHBERT - a pure stout influence on South African racing and breeding.

HERBAGER appeared in the pedigree of 2 runners in this year's Rothmans July:

EL PICHA (Click here) and CLASSIC FLAG (Click here)

THE PACE OF THE RACE

The Tony Millard stable sent Bella Bianca to the head of affairs. She was hard ridden racing wide through the first bend to ensure a searching pace and a thorough test of stamina. It was a time true run race to be sure and ended in the following result.

Accepted at face value this result translates into the following handicap and weight-for-age adjusted interpretration (merit assessment) - the real result.

HORSE BY HORSE PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS:

EL PICHA - nothing he had done in races up to 2000 metres,

Click here to view 6 Gen Pedigree and Race Record and See

J&B MET (Click here)
Turffontein Champion Stakes (Click here)
Greyville 1900 (Click here)

suggested that the 4-y-o El Picha would beat his contemporary Classic Flag, but his pedigree was a good reason for caution in his first race beyond 2000 metres. By a grandson of Herbager, Tough Critic, out of a mare (inbred to Epsom Derby winner Owen Tudor (4d x 4s)), who is a great grandaughter in tail-made line of the legendry stayer, ALYCIDON, the chances of El Picha improving over a proper classic distance were very real.

EL PICHA jumped from No 14 draw, and his rider elected to use the extravagant tactics OF RACING FIVE HORSES WIDE ALL THE WAY. That the horse had enough in reserve despite these brazen tactics suggests that with a good draw or more judicious handling he would have recorded a greater margin of victory.

CLASSIC FLAG - Eased back by his rider in the early stages, but then courted defeat by making his move racing wide through the long final Greyville sweep. Put in a determined bid from the top of the straight and continued bravely all the way to the line. Gets the MAN-OF-THE-MATCH award ! David Ferraris os right - he will be remembered as one of South Africa's best classic (1400 - 2600 m) racehorses of the 20th Century ! Terrific performance under 57,5 kg.
Click here to view 6 Gen Pedigree and Race Record

GOLDEN HOARD - as was expected he ran a rattling good race at the weights. Beaten 4,75 lengths (7 lb) conceding 11 lb ie ran a 4 lb better race than the winner. Conserved at rear; ran on strongly in the straight.
Click here to view 6 Gen Pedigree and Race Record

FORT DEFIANCE - faced a massive task at the weights, and quite remarkably, started favourite ?!? Ran third best race on a WFA assessment, but, whilst not surprised at his defeat, we know he is 4 to 5 lengths (6 - 7 lb) better than this.
Click here to view 6 Gen Pedigree and Race Record

NORFOLK REALM - ran a 4 lb inferior race to FORT DEFIANCE. He looked well and had a dream passage throughout the race. Rates 11 lb inferior to Classic Flag on this form.
Click here to view 6 Gen Pedigree and Race Record

KEENELAND GOLD - bad draw at No.17. Reserved at rear; Ran on strongly to make steady progress throughout the straight.
Click here to view 6 Gen Pedigree and Race Record

CIRCLE OF LIFE - worst drawn at 18; dropped out and tucked in at rear. Pulled out and raced 3 wide through final turn. Made strong progress throughout straight.
Click here to view 6 Gen Pedigree and Race Record

SHAH'S STAR - well placed midfield. Every chance in the straight.
Click here to view 6 Gen Pedigree and Race Record

KALE - raced wide early. Ran on well up straight.
Click here to view 6 Gen Pedigree and Race Record

FLYING DUEL - well placed into straight; did not quicken.
Click here to view 6 Gen Pedigree and Race Record

ESS FIVE BEACHES - reserved at rear; never in it up the straight.
Click here to view 6 Gen Pedigree and Race Record

QUEEN'S CONSUL - badly hampered as he started his run as they turned in the 450 metre straight.
Click here to view 6 Gen Pedigree and Race Record

FARALMOND - chased to contest lead from start. Weakened badly straight.
Click here to view 6 Gen Pedigree and Race Record

PALACE SHOCK - does not stay.
Click here to view 6 Gen Pedigree and Race Record

BELLA BIANCA - chased to front; set a strong pace. Folded straight.
Click here to view 6 Gen Pedigree and Race Record

Back to Home Page