Future Pearl, one of a trio by trainer Sean Tarry for the big race on July 6, showcased a return to top form with a victory in Saturday’s 2400m feature. This was his first win since his Gold Cup triumph as a 3-year-old last season.

In the race, Policy Of Truth and One Way Traffic set a brisk pace. Jockey Richard Fourie kept Future Pearl well off the pace before making his move. As Rachel Venniker brought Without Question into contention, Future Pearl surged forward. Despite losing his crop in the closing stages, Fourie guided Future Pearl (11-2) to a strong finish, beating Mike de Kock’s Aragosta (5-1) by a length with a time of 149.27 seconds.

One Way Traffic (9-1) secured third place, just over a length behind, narrowly edging out Zeus (12-1), who finished fourth with an improved performance.

Favourite Cape Eagle and Without Question, both Durban July entries, failed to impress, finishing well behind and doing little to enhance their big race prospects. Without Question was returning from a 7th placing in the 1900 and failed again here. Cape Eagle was scratched the last time he appeared on course (elevated TCO2 levels) and didn't run to form here. He was favourite for rye Lonsdale Stirrup Cup (L) when he was scratched.

Trainer Sean Tarry expressed his delight at Future Pearl’s resurgence. He noted that they had been patient with the horse, not rushing him last season. Tarry highlighted jockey Richard Fourie’s enthusiasm for riding Future Pearl, especially for the upcoming Betway Summer Cup, and acknowledged Future Pearl’s affinity for the course.

Bred by Drakenstein Stud, Future Pearl was bought for R525,000 at the National Yearling Sale and has now amassed just over R1,4m in stakes from six wins and six places in 19 starts. He is sired by Futura, a four-time Grade 1 winner and former Horse of the Year, and is out of Arabian Pearl, a twice-winning mare by Al Mufti.

The KZN Derby and the Oaks were opened to all ages on weight-for-age terms with penalties in 2014, due to a shift in focus towards other major races for 3-year-olds during Champions Season, which had led to a decline in the prominence of the so-called Derby and Oaks over the years.

There is good reason for the races to be renamed or scrapped completely in order to get in line with the correct names for these types of races in line with Derby and Oaks traditions.

Future Pearl
Sire: FUTURA
Dam: ARABIAN PEARL
Dam Sire: AL MUFTI (USA)
Breeder: Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs G A Rupert)
Owner: Mr A R & Mrs A B L Beck