Jet Dark and jockey S’Manga Khumalo, successfully defended his title in the L’Ormarins Queens Plate at Kenilworth on Saturday. The winner earned an automatic berth into the US$2 million FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) through the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series.
After the Rain, Pomp and Power and Seeking the Stars ensured the pace was brisk with Jet Dark lagging in a stretched-out field, under S’Manga Khumalo.
The ace jockey had everything under control though, on his champion steed, who started a 10/1 chance. “Jet Dark was so relaxed, and with the pace being on, I chose to wait on him. I slapped him down the shoulder, and then he kicked,” said Khumalo.”
Jet Dark performance at L’ Ormarins Queen’s Plate 2022
Jet Dark was doing some seriously low flying the last 200m and drew off to beat Kommetdieding, who also made a bold rally from far back. Seven-year-old, Rainbow Bridge had loomed up on the outside with a powerful move, but he could not resist his younger rivals finishing kick.
Seeking the Stars kept on resolutely for fourth, best of those who raced handily. Pomp and Power could not survive the rigours of the early speed duel yet was very gutsy in keeping on for fifth – first home of the three-year-olds, and only a credible three lengths off turbo-charged, Jet Dark.
Second-placed Kommetdieding emerged with credit and the 2021 Durban July winner looks teed up to run huge in the Met. He clocked in 2.25 lengths behind Jet Dark. Likewise, Rainbow Bridge, which has twice scored in the Met, is on target for another spirited defence of the historic prize in a month.
Seeking the Stars kept on resolutely for fourth, best of those who raced handily. Pomp and Power could not survive the rigours of the early speed duel yet was very gutsy in keeping on for fifth – first home of the three-year-olds, and only a credible three lengths off turbo-charged, Jet Dark.
Multiple G1 victor, Jet Dark has now won six of 11 starts, including two L’ Ormarins Queen’s Plates and the Gold Challenge at Greyville. Whilst he has thrown in the occasional duff effort at his first run back from a layoff or when too fierce in his races; overall, he is consistent at a high level and, when peaking, a brilliant miler.
Trainer Justin Snaith said:
Jet Dark is “a beautiful animal, such a stunning individual” the son of Trippi, bred at Drakenstein Stud, repeated his feat in 2021 to again win the most coveted 1600m race in South Africa. We are exciting for what is coming.
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