Mossman’s South African star Royal Zulu Warrior defeated one of the strongest fields ever assembled for the G2 Emperors Palace Charity Mile at Turffontein on Saturday.
A capacity line-up for the R600,000 feature, which is run in conjunction with the Ready To Run 2YO Sale, included Group 1 winners Wylie Hall (SA Derby), Cherry On The Top (Triple Tiara), Potala Palace (Joburg Spring Challenge), Wagner (Summer Cup) and Love Struck (SA Classic). WATCH REPLAY HERE
Royal Zulu Warrior (7g Mossman – Dark Blue by Wallenda) had won first-up this season at Turffontein on September 14 and he doubled up by three quarters of a length for trainer Kom Naidoo and Durban-based owner Roy Moodley.
Jockey Karl Zechner judged the pace beautifully, striking at the right time to hold off a valiant challenge from Glorious Jet. The lightly-raced gelding has won 6 of his 11 starts but was considered an out-and-out sprinter and suspect at 1600 metres..
“I rode him when he won first time out by 9 lengths so I knew he was a nice horse,” Zechner said. “I always knew he would go further but he was doing so well sprinting.”
Vinery stallion Mossman sired him from NZ bred mare Dark Blue who has also foaled G1 South African Golden Horseshoe winner Fighting Warrior (Magic Albert). Her final foal Vasquez (Shaft) won a Merriwa maiden for trainer Rod Northam in April.
Naidoo declared Royal Zulu Warrior has overcome injuries that sidelined him for two years. “He showed great ability from Day 1,” he said . “We were quietly confident he would go the mile. He’s older now and has learned to settle.”
Mossman’s next stakes winner could come as early as the first Tuesday in November with Plucky Belle. Trainer Peter Moody has nominated his mare for the G3 Lavazza Short Black (1400m) at Flemington.
Vinery stands Mossman for a $19,800 (inc gst) service fee.
