Mocha Blend was the right mix

FRANK Robinson's patience with the Mauritzfontein-homebred Ideal World filly Mocha Blend has ultimately paid a big dividend as he landed his first career Gr 1 and it happened in a major race, the R6 million Betway Summer Cup, Johannesburg's biggest race and the richest race in the country.

- DAVID THISELTON

Godden

The win also gave Tristan Godden his first Gr 1 win and it was thoroughly deserved as he gave the 100/1 chance a magnificent ride.

Patience can only happen with understanding owners and Frank described Jessica and Steven Jell as the best owners he had ever trained for as they allow the trainer the time to do what he or she believes is best for the horse.

Frank gave Mocha Blend three runs during the Champions Season, but was easy on her and actually didn't gallop her at all in that period.

He said she did not have the best conformation as she turned in slightly and last winter everything about her was still a bit too soft to put her under any pressure.

He therefore took his time with her to allow her to become harder and stronger.

He said lately when feeling her legs in the morning they were ice cold and he thus knew they had improved strength wise and he could prepare her properly.

He said before her participation in the Listed Betway Summer Pudding Handicap over 1600m at Turffontein Standside on Sunday November 9, "The fittest I have ever had her is going to be Sunday. She comes in with a proper preparation."

She ran a 0,30 length second in that race, off a 104 merit rating, to joint topweight Kisshoten, who was also running off a 104.

Frank said afterwards she had only lost because she had walked out the pens.

She had done that in her previous start too, so the last thing he did with her before she departed for the Summer Cup was to school her at the pens.

She said the slow starts were likely due to her being very relaxed and almost asleep, or what he described as her having "an unbelievable temperament."

He knew that would stand her in good stead for the journey up to Johannesburg and for the big race buzz.