The Vaughan Marshall-trained two-year-old Horse Chestnut colt Step Up put his hand up as a runner in the Gr 1 Premier’s Champions Stakes over 1600m on Gold Cup day when winning a Juvenile Plate over the same course and distance comfortably on Saturday under MJ Byleveld.

The intuitive Marshall bought this Horse Chestnut colt for a mere R50,000 at the CTS Emperor’s Palace Select Yearling Sale last year, despite her Joshua Dancer dam being a half-sister to dual Gr 1-winner Crimson Waves. Marshall then put a syndicate together which includes his son Steve.

The imposing colt has won two of his four starts to date. His first win was also over 1600m at Greyville, albeit on the polytrack.

Step Up lead in (Jul 16) – Candiese Marnewick

In his penultimate start Step Up was caught hopelessly wide from a high draw in the Listed Gatecrasher Stakes over 1400m at Greyville and pulled throughout.

Marshall was correct in saying before Saturday’s event a line could be drawn through that run.

Byleveld, who was not aboard in the disappointing previous race, settled him beautifully in the box seat on Saturday from a good draw and he quickened effortlessly to win  by 3,5 lengths.

A downside to the form is that The Boxster, who is quite an exposed maiden, finished second although he did obviously appreciate the step up in trip.

On the bright side Step Up’s time was three seconds quicker than the fillies equivalent race, which was won in eyecatching style by the Dennis Drier-trained The High Life, who is also by Horse Chestnut. The High Life resembles her great sire and made up considerable ground in the straight under Sean Veale to just get up, although as a maiden (who had actually won a race which was later declared null and void) she did have a 3kg advantage over the winners. Despite the impressive display The High Life does not hold an entry in the Gr 1 Thekwini Stakes. The High Life was purchased for R150,000 at the National Two-year-old Sale.

David Thiselton