Sunny Bill Du-Toy put up a fair effort in his first Grade 1 attempt, the Daily News 2000, at Greyville this past Saturday. It was always going to be a tough test for the gelding, especially going level weights with some of the best three-year olds in the country.
Looking at the race, Sunny Bill Du-Toy had to be shaken up as the stall gates opened in order to maintain his position on the rail – from the minute they jumped it was clear he was in the big league.
Alssakhra was the obvious pace setter in the race, no doubt dictating the tempo for his more fancied stable companion, Majestic Mambo (ran on strongly for 2nd).
Sunny Bill Du Toy traveled well throughout, after the initial stages, even though the frontrunner slowed things down through the 5th and 6th furlong.
Turning for home, he was switched towards the inside running rail and started to move up nicely but didn’t quite kick on as well as the faster finishing, more experienced Gauteng and Cape raiders.
With that in mind, he finished 8,90 lengths off the winner but within 3 and 5,5 lengths of horses that are rated well over 20 points higher than him.
A big thanks must go to Kevin and Alyson Wright for turning him out in immaculate condition on Saturday, as well as top jockey Smanga Khumalo for giving him every chance.
Last but not least, a big congratulations to the winning connections of Surcharge, particularly Hollywoodbets-sponsored trainer Stuart Pettigrew, who rates the three-year old as one of the best he has ever trained.
Where to from here?
Kevin Wright has confirmed that Sunny Bill is done for the season.
He has been managing a small back niggle all season and the team are going to be using his time off to get him right for his season as a 4 year old.
The Hollywood Syndicate are very proud of the remarkable season the Irish Flame gelding has enjoyed..
We are very excited about how he will progress as he gets older and more experienced.
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Daily News 2000 Race Replay via Gold Circle: