Grade 1 Cape Flying Championship winner Dyce has been on a tear, racking up wins with ease since returning to the track following his gelding. He’s claimed victory in three of his recent starts after being diagnosed as haemoconcentrating, a condition that impacted his earlier performances. According to owner David Shawe, "He wasn't struggling with fitness or soundness, as many thought. What he really needed was the gelding."
This Pinnacle win over the 1160m concluded his hattrick at three different layouts including the Turffontein inner, the Vaal and Turffontein Standside tracks. He toyed with the opposition including classy types like William Robertson and Mrs Browning.
Looking ahead, Shawe plans to run Dyce in a Pinnacle event in early December, with the ultimate goal of competing in the Cape Flying Championship in Cape Town. "I believe he’s the best sprinter in the country, and I’m eager to see him take on the competition at level weights," Shawe commented confidently.
Dyce’s career highlights include a memorable victory over Isivunguvungu in a sprint at Greyville when both were still juveniles. Since then, Isivunguvungu has gained prominence on the international circuit, while Dyce was unfortunately ruled out of overseas competition due to travel-restricting health concerns.
With rivals like Thunderstruck and Isivunguvungu out of the local sprint scene, Dyce’s primary competition now lies with Surjay and Lucky Lad. Shawe has opted not to enter Dyce in the Gr3 Merchants on Summer Cup Day, as the weight assignment would be a hefty 65 kg. "Options are limited at the top level for quality horses when it comes to suitable races," Shawe noted.
Guided by the expert hands of jockey Piere Strydom, known for his masterful pace management, Dyce led from start to finish, sealing a comfortable win without Strydom ever needing to reach for the whip. The son of William Longsword now boasts an impressive record of 10 wins from 20 starts, including 2 wins from 3 at today’s course and distance.
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