5 to follow - Big Nick wins on the line

It went down to the wire as expected but Bill of Rights turned out to be the deciding factor when Big Nick stole a 6 point lead over his rivals with his selection in the Canon Gold Cup. The third placed finish sealed the competition for Nico van Niekerk who wins himself a R3000 Interbet betting voucher and an LCD computer screen.

The 5 To Follow competition always seems to produce a tight finish. Sally Jordaan went into the final day with a 1 point lead over Big Nic but eventually came fourth while Patrich came home with a late charge from 6^th to end the runner up. Lunatic finished in third, a further 5 points adrift, while close contender throughout Whamghetti tied in fourth place with Sally.

Many thanks to our sponsors Interbet for spearheading the initiative and for kindly donating the winning prizes.

The winning selections were:

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1	Big Nic	144	R3000 Interbet betting voucher + LCD computer screen
2	Patrich	138	R1000 Interbet betting voucher + LCD computer screen
3	Lunatic	133	Odessy Golf  Putter and a Cutter & Buck jacket
4	Sally	132	R100 Interbet betting voucher
5	Whamghetti	132	R100 Interbet betting voucher
6	Badger	131	R100 Interbet betting voucher
7	Cookster2	127	R100 Interbet betting voucher
8	Jimmy The Saint	124	R100 Interbet betting voucher
9	Bigtime Worldclass	123	R100 Interbet betting voucher
10	Sandy	123	R100 Interbet betting voucher

Some interesting facts:

• Most profitable selections

–River Jetez (51 Points)

–Pocket Power (45 Points)

–Love Is In The Air (40 Points)

• Big Nick, (the winner),  did not select Pocket Power
• Patrich, (second Place) did not select River Jetez
• Honour of last place finisher belongs to Docta who finished on 23 points,

121 points adrift of the winner

For full results please visit the INTERBET home page

Canon Gold Cup

The countries premium grade 1 event for stayers, resulted in an incredible feat for trainer Stephen Page who ran home first and second in the Cup for owner Bridget Oppenheimer.

It was a well deserved accomplishment for the modest Phillipi based trainer who demonstrated his capabilities at the highest level and one hopes he attracts the utmost recognition for this fine achievement.

Bill Of Rights ran impressively to secure third spot for the Bass stable as did Thundering Jet under jockey Greg Cheyne who ran on gallantly to finish just three and a half lengths back. Diamond Quest missed the break and found himself towards the back for most the journey. He ran on in the straight but could not make up the deficit. Meteor Shower ran very well despite racing wide all the way round.

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Stephen Page and Mrs Oppenheimer

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All hope was turned towards River Jetez in the Gold Bracelet, but again found one better as the mare failed to catch Mother Russia on the line. She raced wide throughout after breaking from an 8 draw which ultimately was her undoing. We can only hope to turn the tables in her quest for grade 1 status next year, in what should be her last opportunity before her retirement to stud. Mother Russia is a pillar of consistency at the highest level and there should be no doubt that she will be duly rewarded for her excellence at the National Award ceremony next week.

Sunsational

Candice Robinson and Trevor Taylor have done a remarkable job in the Cape this season accumulating our best stat’s through the Winter period for some time. The pair trained home some 43 winners including 3 feature races, the last being Sunsational in the Grade 3 Final Fling Stales on Sunday. This is the first graded win for the daughter of Windrush who is now a three time winner from 11 starts for her owners Warne and Wendy Rippon, Graeme Joffee, Phillip Kahan and Sue Mackenzie. She was bread by The Alchemy Stud.

Pocket Power

The big Horse’s attempt at his ninth group 1 was not to be when going down a short head to Ivory Trail in the Champions Cup at Clairwood. Pocket Power hit the front a furlong and a half out and looked to have done enough, but a late sustained run from the Joey Ramsden charge saw him relegated to second position. In a tight finish, last years victor Buy And Sell got third while Blue Tiger ran a cracking race in fourth and looks to be a super prospect next season.

It has been a long, hard period for Pocket Power whose feet always seem to take a bit of a hammering on the firm Natal tracks but he is happy to be home and will enjoy a well earned rest in his paddock while the decision on his future is still pending.

General News

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• Candice Robinson takes a well deserved break when she, and husband Connell, depart for a five day getaway to Argentina on Wednesday. 

• The TBA National Two Year old Sale takes place from Friday 14^th August in JHB. Mike Bass will be attending the sale and anyone wishing to make a purchase should contact Mike directly, alternatively drop us a mail @