Robinson eyes Tote Derby and Gold Vase

FRANK ROBINSON might opt for the Gr 3 Tote Derby and the Gr 3 Gold Vase as the respective targets of his Listed Lonsdale Stirrup Cup first and third-placed Field Marshal and Shoot The Rapids.

- DAVID THISELTON

He also has news about his best Hollywoodbets Durban July hope, Madison Valley, and about his smart Gr 2 Tote Woolavington 2000 third-placed filly Mocha Blend.

The three-year-old gelding Field Marshal gave the late sire Lancaster Bomber the first of two stakes victories on Saturday at Hollywoodbets Greyville and put more emphasis on just what a big loss he has been to SA breeding, although his legacy will fortunately continue through the like of potential stallions like Eight On Eighteen and Snow Pilot.

Shoot The Rapids

Frank had felt before the race, and had told many who had asked him, that he did not feel Shoot The Rapids could give Field Marshal 8,5kg and still beat him.

He said Field Marshal was an improving horse and his below par previous start had been a flat run following a bout of anti-biotics.

He said most of the Lancaster Bombers stayed and he was confident Field Marshal would stay.

So it proved.

The gelding got a good position in midfield one wide with cover in the small eight horse field having jumped from draw eight under Kabelo Matsunyane.

In the straight he ran on well to beat the pacemaker Future Swing by 1,40 lengths.

Shoot The Rapids stayed on well from midfield on the rail to be beaten just a short-head by Future Swing, so owner of both horses Sid Moodley went close to getting the exacta.

Frank bought the Lammerskraal Stud-bred Field Marshal on behalf of owner Sid at the BSA Cape Yearling Sale for R325,000.

He said, "He was a magnificent yearling, I thought he was the nicest on the Sale.

Marcheline