Log InKotzen Gelding Has Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas Claims
Bello Gallico gave Kenneth Pillay’s Kestorm Investments their first winner in the Cape and confirmed his Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas aspirations when he went from gun to tape to win an MR 74 Handicap on Tuesday
Glen Kotzen’s Bello Gallico gave Kenneth Pillay’s Kestorm Investments their first winner in the Cape and confirmed his Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas aspirations when he went from gun to tape to win an MR 74 Handicap on the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth 1400m winter course on Tuesday.
Bello Gallico stays on best under Chad Little (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
Glen Kotzen has long indicated that he thinks a lot of the Oldlands Stud-bred gelding, who put his best hoof forward at 9-4 under Chad Little to beat the fast-finishing Above The Law (28-10) by a half length in a time of 86,28 secs.
Another Cape Guineas entry in Piet and Elbert Steyn’s Ile Moris (6-1) was 1,50 lengths back in third.
There was an incident at the 250m, where Snaith galloper Vercicat was bumped inwards, made heavy contact with the hindquarters of Bello Gallico and then had to be checked away from the heels of the leader.
Craig Zackey did not persevere with his riding of Vercicat and the Vet was requested to examine the Snaith charge.
The Stipes took evidence from Little and Zackey regarding this incident and have adjourned to give this matter further consideration.
Little was charged with a contravention of Rule 58.10.2 (read with Guideline C on the use of the crop) in that he struck Bello Gallico more than twice on consecutive strides. The jockey signed an Admission of Guilt and was fined R1 000.
A full-brother to the Chris Jonker-trained Hotarubi, who seems best over ground, Glen Kotzen indicated that Bello Gallico could even be a Cape Derby horse.
Justin Snaith saddled three winners on the afternoon, while Aldo Domeyer and Richard Fourie shared the riding accolades with a double apiece.
