Two-year-old Prophet finished seventh in Saturday’s G1 Gold Medallion at Scottsville, a race he was expected to win and for which he started favourite, but Corne Spies believes his runner would have gone close if not for interference at the 400m-mark.

The Stipes report states: “Approaching the 400m, PROPHET (C Zackey) had to ease when tightened for galloping room between the inside running rail and NOW I GOT YOU (M Yeni) who was carried in by OCEAN TIME (D Dillon), who (in turn) rolled in.

Consequently, PROPHET (C Zackey) was switched out around the field and covered 10 horse widths to obtain a clear run. In assessing this incident, the Board was of the opinion that there were multiple contributory movements surrounding this incident and therefore could not apportion blame to any individual rider. As a result, no further action was taken.”

Being drawn on the rail and cramped for a run, Prophet had no option but to pull back and wide – and Zackey had to go around the entire field, pausing a further split second for a possible gap before he got to the widest horse. This, Corne reckons, cost Prophet at least the five lengths he was beaten by.

He said: ‘Listen, it’s no use crying about spilt milk. The result’s in the frame and we take it on a chin. But one has to consider that we beat Gladatorian by 3,80-lengths just a few weeks ago, easing down. Gladatorian finished ahead of us in third on Saturday, beaten the exact same 3.80-lengths by the winner, Thunderstruck. So draw a line through the run, Prophet is better than this.”



Corne will be pointing Prophet at the G1 Golden Horseshoe over 1400m on Durban July Day. “I think he will be suited to 1400m and maybe we can have a rematch with Sean Tarry’s Thunderstruck. It will be interesting, he looks a smart colt.”

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