Sail South springs a surprise in Champions Cup at Greyville

Report: Greyville, South Africa, Saturday

World Sports Betting Champions Cup (Grade 1) | 1m1f | turf| 3-y-o+

Sail South (Brett Crawford/Richard Fourie) sprang a 17-1 surprise when beating his much better fancied stable companion Captain America by a length and a quarter after chasing him much of the way and taking it up with 100 yards to run.

Fourie said: "Captain America sets his fractions quite hard so it was a good gallop and I came into the straight with three and a half lengths to make up but I knew I would get there."

Crawford, winning the race for the third time in five seasons, added: "Sail South is a model of consistency and, although this was the first time he has been this trip, he has never been far behind Captain America and he had a 2kg swing today."

Matador Man (15-1) was a length further back third, half a length in front of Bela-Bela, the only filly in the race. But Durban July winner Marinaresco was a big disappointment. He raced in rear and was still second last turning for home. He struggled to quicken and managed only ninth.