The eighth renewal of the 1475m feature at the Vaal, postponed from Saturday due to lightning, proved worth the wait as Pomodoro’s Jet delivered a commanding performance to secure a maiden success for Brett and James Crawford from their Randjesfontein satellite yard.

The field was reduced to 17 runners after the delay, but the 6-year-old gelding didn’t disappoint his backers, who had installed him as the 3/1 favorite. Sticking to his inside draw, Pomodoro’s Jet tracked the early pace set by Slinky Mapimpi and Savannah Storm before showcasing his class and the effectiveness of his cheekpieces. He powered away in the final stages, claiming a decisive 5.50-length victory in a time of 86.01 seconds. Certainly a margin of victory the handicapper will take full notice off. 

Lucky Houdalakis’ longshot Master Christmas (25-1) emerged from the pack to take second place, boosting quartet payouts. Slinky Mapimpi (9/1) held on for third, while Silver Tudor completed the minor placings. Highly regarded Captainofthegreen (7/1) had a tough task from his wide draw of 16 and finished just out of the money, 6.90 lengths behind the winner under replacement jockey Philasande Mxoli. 

Bred by Hemel ‘N Aarde Stud, Pomodoro’s Jet is by Durban July winner Pomodoro, a son of Jet Master, out of the Captain Al mare Gorgeous Al. A R200,000 graduate of the BSA National 2-Year-Old Sale, he has now built an impressive record of six wins and eight places from 19 starts, amassing earnings of R799,577.

This victory highlights the Crawfords’ growing presence in South African racing and particularly James' handling of the Joburg yard. His patient handling of Pomodoro’s Jet bore fruit in spectacular fashion. With a performance like this, the future looks bright for this talented gelding, if not hit too hard by the handicapper in what was a facile win.

Image extraction: JC Photos & SAHorseracing