French Navy finished like a train from well back in the running to win the Daily News 2000 rather convincingly at Greyville on Saturday.

Jockey Raymond Danielson was more elated about this victory than the geldings Gr 1 SA Classic win and said, “This was at Greyville and I know now that he likes the course.” The Count Dubois gelding was the highest merit rated horse in the weight for age race so shouldn’t be too badly punished by the handicapper and will be a big runner in the July.

Danielson knew French Navy was top class when winning his maiden aboard him over 1600m last October. He described him as lazy at home and also lazy in a race. That is until he hits the straight and he then becomes electrified. He was concerned he was too far back on Saturday and didn’t mind pushing him along, as he was confident he would find his usual finish.

The De Kock-trained Investec Cape Derby winner Ertijaal relished the faster ground and the 2000m trip and ran a gallant second. The Joey Ramsden-trained favourite The Conglomerate ran well enough for third, but was never a serious threat and will likely drift in the July betting. The Weiho Marwing-trained Rampant Ice, fifth in the KRA Guineas, relished the step up to 2000m and finished fourth ahead of Mac De Lago, who had finished second in the KRA Guineas.

By David Thiselton

Picture: French Navy (Nkosi Hlophe)