There were loads of people scratching their heads at Main Defenders return at Turffontein on Saturday with a some what perceived below par performance on offer for the joint top rated horse in the land.

The Tony Peter trained star could only manage second after a cosy run in transit and everything going his way, including the winner pulling in the early stages of the contest. He just didn't have his usual kick.

One could have made a case for for him due to the excellent time of 84.33s, well below the class average of 84.84s but this is no ordinary horse. He beat Sandringham Summit once upon a time over the course and distance in 84.56s and Barbaresco in 84.91s. He ran a 84.56s today. Although times, due to ground conditions, aren't always relatable, it could have some relevance. The ground was quick today with a penetrometer reading of 20.

Unzen, the winner, was backed into favourite from 9/2 to 2/1 whilst Main Defender drifted from 5/10 to 18/10. The weight difference was 8kgs in favour of second favourite. The third placed horse was carrying just 48kgs in the end, that being The Africa House and he was slammed into that position beaten a sound 5.5 lengths.

Just maybe, it wasn't as bad a run as it was perceived to be even though Main Defender was 4 points or 2kgs well in.

Unzen is a gelding by ERUPT and trained by Robbie Sage. It gave Gavin Lerena his 4th winner of the day.

 Image credit 4Racing/JC Photos