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Aslan prevails in thrilling Summer Cup finish

Published by charl on November 28, 2009

ASLAN, trained by Sean Tarry and ridden by Felix Coetzee, fought on gamely to win Saturday’s R2 million Sansui Summer Cup over 2000m at Turffontein from Magical, who stormed up late and was unlucky not to have won.

But the Tarry runner’s number is in the frame - the win was meritorious and the lion’s share of the purse will be banked by the Brooklyn Bullet Syndicate and Mrs L Leisher.

Likeithot was rushed up early to set the pace ahead of stablemate Senor Versace. Aslan settled in third with Captain Scott and Killaridge on his heels and Meet At Mala further back with Oracy in midfield and Eight Street and Magical towards the rear.

The field spread wide and across the track, after they swung for home, and it wasn’t long before Anton Marcus made his move on the favourite, Oracy, who was brought to the standside rail for and quickened well to put two lengths between himself and the field.

For a few moments it looked all over bar the shouting for Oracy, but 250m from the line Captain Scott started fighting back with Aslan plugging away well on his inside and Meet At Malamala staying on strongly.

Jockey Felix Coetzee drove Aslan powerfully into the lead with 75m to run and they held on to win from Magical, who appeared from the clouds with an electrifying finish. Meet At Mala edged Captain Scott out of third.

“Aslan is as honest as the day is long,’’ said an elated Felix Coetzee. “They passed us in the straight but he fought back well to win. Thanks to Sean for preparing him so well.’’

Tarry, who saddled his first Cup winner, commented: “This is a great occasion and I’d like to thank my team for their hard work. We wanted to race Aslan in the November, but because of the handicapper we stayed at Clairwood, where the grass was scurrified so we missed some preparation work. We only finished with Aslan a few days ago so things worked out well!’’

Aslan, by Silvano from Cry For The Lion, was bred by Glenellen Stud in partnership with The Alchemy.

Photo: Aslan (pink silks), hold on gamely to win.