Royal bid to follow in Pocket Power's footsteps

THE Dean Kannemeyer-trained gelding Royal Chalon will be trying to emulate
the great Pocket Power this Sunday by completing victory in all three legs
of Cape Town’s Winter Triple Crown.



The promising Australian-bred three-year-old (by Royal Academy) will line up
in the Grade 3 Cape Winter Derby, third leg of the Triple Crown (sometimes referred to as the Winter Series) –
having already won the Guineas (picture) and the Classic.



Pocket Power, ruling favourite for this year’s Vodacom Durban July,
was the first – and thus far only – horse to achieve the feat, in 2006.

If Royal Chalon pulls it off he will pick up a bonus of R100 000 for his connections;
and as long as rival runner Test Pilot does not win they are guaranteed R25 000.

Many punters will be contemplating taking the storied double – Royal Chalon
into Pocket Power in the July.


RA correspondent Ryan Roberts spoke to Kannemeyer about his charge’s preparations.

RA: Royal Chalon will attempt 2400m for the first time. Do you think he will see it out?
DK: I am worried about the trip, but we have to take the chance and see if he does.

RA: With all the rain about in Cape Town are you concerned about the going?
DK: No, he has won with a pen reading of 45, so that doesn’t worry me.

RA: You also have Sea Of Galilee in the race?
DK: He is looking for the distance. And with Andrew Fortune in the saddle he has a decent chance.


THANKS TO THE RACING ASSOCIATION FOR THE ARTICLE