Gallant Otto Luyken spoils the Garrix party

GARRIX, seeking a clean sweep of the Winter Series, looked to be on his way to a champagne-popping victory when Gavin Lerena made his move between runners from off the pace in yesterday’s R350 000 Pocket Power Stakes (Listed) over 1950m.

- GRAEME HAWKINS

But the 3yo son of Vercingetorix failed to sustain his effort all the way to the line and Otto Luyken rallied strongly over the final 50m to deny Garrix by a whisker.

A short-head separated the pair in the Legal Stakes over 1800m three weeks ago and at the revised weights Otto Luyken had a clear chance of gaining revenge, but consistency has never been Otto Luyken’s strong suit and the 5yo son of Flower Alley was allowed to start at 14/1. Racing for the partnership of Greg Bortz and Gina Goldsmith, Otto Luyken has clearly benefitted from the addition of blinkers to his racing equipment, and it was pleasing to see James Crawford’s charge string two good runs together under a driving ride by Louis Mxothwa. Garrix was beaten but by no means disgraced, and a good summer in the Cape beckons for his connections.

Beware The Bomb