Jack Milner
I've had lots of good horses, I've won at the highest level, but I've never, ever had a horse as good as Charles Dickens.
Those were the emotional words of owner and breeder Gaynor Rupert after Charles Dickens destroyed a top-class field to win the R2-million Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
It was touted as being a match race between unbeaten Charles Dickens and the champion two-year-old of last season, Cousin Casey, but there was a gulf - or rather 4.25 lengths to be exact, between the pair at the finishing post.
Going off at 9-20, Charles Dickens gave Bass Racing their first victory in this race with Cousin Casey finishing a head in front of At My Command with Royal Aussie in fourth, beaten 6.35 lengths.
He has was bred at Drakenstein Stud
and Rupert sees this son of Trippi as a bit of a game changer for them on all levels. "The way he won has made me really proud.
"It has opened up a whole new future and if I have to say this is the best day I've ever had at the racetrack, it really is," she added.
From No 11 draw, jockey Aldo Domeyer moved him across to the inside rail but that saw him sitting about third last, and with no real pace on it looked as if the favourite might be in a bit of trouble.
But as the field turned for home, Domeyer switched him to the centre of the track and started to make his run. "He was so relaxed and when it was time for him to go, there was a wall of horses in front of him," said Domeyer.
"It was just a matter of him turning it one and when the turbines turned on, in a few strides he was in front and he was putting the race to bed.
"I squeezed for a bit more and guess what? There was more.
"This horse is just a freak and he deserves all the accolades. He's done everything we've asked him to do and he's done it in fine style."
It was great win for Bass Racing, and the victory allowed them to cross one race off their bucket list.
Trainer Candice Bass-Robinson, who took over the stable from her father, Mike, a few years back was extremely emotional and said: “He’s the best I’ve ever trained – just does everything right. This is a huge milestone for Bass Racing.
“I want to dedicate this win to my dad."
Bass-Robinson had another feature winner on the day when Marina won the Grade 3 Hollywoodbets Victress Stakes for fillies and mares over 1800m for her 10th victory from 21 starts.
Piere Strydom called back the past with a superb ride aboard Nexus to give Justin Snaith victory in the Grade 2 Ridgemont Highlands Peninsula Handicap over 1800m.
Going off at 50-1, the seven-year-old gelding sat third on the rail before Strydom sent him for home shortly after the field turned for home. He fought out a duel with well-supported Imilenzeyokududuma but pulled away to win by 1.50 lengths.