South Africa's favourite sprinter, formerly from the yard of "Lucky" Houdalakis, reproduced his best form on the Nad Al Sheba turf in a commanding victory in Dubai on Thursday night.
The son of Jet Master never looked out of control in his 1200m sprint event, a race which he stamped his class on in no uncertain way. The "Jet Plane" was out the gates in flash, cruised to an early lead and then settled beautifully in 3rd just off the leaders. He pounced into the lead at the 300m pole to win easier than the margin suggested.
The relief for connections must have been palpable as he returned to the type of form that won his group 1 events in South Africa and earned him an international rating of 120 - a rating 10 points ahead of his the runner up in this Dubai race, Hatta Fort.
Even though there is nothing for him to target on the grass in Dubai, he is now well placed for other international events - one of which must be the thoughts of his connections is the Krisflyer Sprint in Singapore in May and Europe beyond that.
Shea was pleased: “JJ The Jet Plane is very quick and I was never worried on him tonight. He has done that in style.”
His trainer was severely criticised in the media for the dirt performance of this South African champion and even though, in hindsight, it was a mistake on his part, trainer De Kock must be given credit for the instant switch to grass and acknowledgement that the dirt was a future no go for the star.
All's well that ends well and the "Jet Plane" is back to the relief of his many supporters.
AL QUOZ SPRINT SPONSORED BY MEYDAN HORIZONS
1 J J The Jet Plane (SAF) - Well away, led for 300m, tracked leader going well 300m out, led 200m out, comfortably
2 Hatta Fort (GB) - Settled rear, not much room 500m out, ran on well final 300m, nearest finish
3 Dohasa (IRE) - Mid-division on rail, ridden to chase winner 400m out, ran on well
4 Contest (IRE) - Slowly into stride, mid-division, not much room 400m out, ran on well
5 Instant Recall (IRE) - Led after 300m, headed 200m out, weakened
6 Judd Street (GB) - Always mid-division
7 Intrepid Jack (GB) - Settled rear, last 500m out, ran on same pace
8 Prince Tamino (GB) - Rear of mid-division, never able to challenge
9 Munaddam (USA) - Rear of mid-division, ridden 500m out, not quicken
10 Miss Gorica (IRE) - Tracked leaders until 600m out, weakened
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