KZN-based trainer Kumaran Naidoo says that prodigiously talented but enigmatic Australian-bred Mossman galloper Royal Zulu Warrior (Mossman-Dark Blue, by Wallenda) will miss the Gr2 Emerald Cup at The Vaal on September 28, reports goldcircle.co.za.
Royal Zulu Warrior claimed his first victory since winning the Gr3 Lebelo Sprint on New Year’s Day when defeating Gr1 winners War Horse & Love Struck by 3.5-lengths in a 1450m Pinnacles Stakes event at Turffontein on Saturday.
Naidoo was contemplating starting Royal Zulu Warrior in the Emerald Cup, South Africa’s richest sand race, but instead will aim him at the Emperor’s Palace Charity Mile on November 2.
“He works well on the sand but has never raced on it and also needs to have a break between races,” explained Naidoo. “He’s not the sort of horse that can run two weeks after his previous start.”
The magnificent looking 7YO son of Vinery stallion Mossman began his racing career in stunning fashion, winning his first three starts by a combined margin of over 20-lengths, before faltering when stepped up to Gr1 company against the likes of What A Winter & Via Africa. Naidoo had previously stated that he believed Royal Zulu Warrior was looking for more ground, which may prove to be the key to him realising his potential.
Royal Zulu Warrior’s New Zealand-bred dam, Dark Blue, won four races from 1200-1400m in Australia and is by the US-bred Gulch sire Wallenda, who won a Gr1 over 1700m.
Dark Blue’s daughter Attunga Rose produced and sold a three quarter brother to Royal Zulu Warrior at this years MM June Weanling sale for prominent Hunter Valley breeder Mr John Tiyce.
