Pessoa (SAF) bounced back to winning ways with an impressive come-from-behind victory in the Gr 3 Kings Cup over 1600m  at Clairwood on Sunday. Penhaligon (SAF) ran on for second as Top Mark (BRZ) shaded Roman Wall (SAF) for the third spot.

Always Al took up his accustomed pace-making role with Top Mark and Penhaligon in close attendance. Black Is Black settled on the fence in fourth, just ahead of In A Rush, while Pessoa was held up early on, with only Fourth Estate and Roman Wall behind him.

Always Al kept going for a while in the straight, with Top Mark the first to apply pressure, eventually taking over the lead about 300m out. Penhaligon was starting to make his run up the centre while Roman Wall was motoring wider out. However, it was up the inside that the decisive blow would be struck, with Pessoa storming through in the last 100m to win going away, Anton Marcus having once again produced a master class in the saddle.

This was Pessoa’s sixth career victory, to go with five places from 15 starts. He’d failed to make an impression in two feature attempts in Gauteng but he seemed to relish being back at the coast and he has built up a particularly fruitful association with the Clairwood track. Trainer Alec Laird will no doubt be eyeing some of the upcoming middle distance features over the winter season.

Penhaligon ran a cracker here, as he is best over a bit further. He put in a sustained late challenge but just found himself outgunned by a very smart rival on the day.

Top Mark is holding form really well at present and this was a creditable effort, especially as he had to tack across early to beat a wide draw.

Roman Wall is always a threat in this sort of company and he made good late progress from well off the pace, having also had to contend with a wide draw.

4 gr g Go Deputy (USA) – Printemp (ARG) by Ringaro (USA)
Owner: Mr M C Gerber 
Bred by Mr & Mrs P J Garlicki
Winning trainer: Alec Laird