Constellation supplies fun to all!

Constellation overcame unfavourable weight terms and quite an aggressive female challenger to win the R150 000 Sophomore 1000 at Turffontein on Saturday. He did it in fine style, leading from the jump and running through well in a time of 57,92s.

Callan Murray always seemed to have matters in hand, but took a nip to his lower ankle at the 200m mark as Muzi Yeni and Anchorage loomed on his outside and the filly made an unexpected savage attempt. Constellation was unflustered and kept going nicely to win by 0.60-lengths from the useful Graded performer, Charming Cheetah, with Anchorage in third and the highly-regarded African Pride in fourth.

Constellation was awaited by two of his five part-owners – Mark Campbell and Wayne Jackson – while Ray Mordt, Kevin Calitz and Clint Valjalo were watching from elsewhere.

Mat de Kock said: “They a great bunch of mates and owners. They told me before the race how much fun they are having with Constellation. So it was fun all round. They have fun owning him, we have fun training him and Callan is having fun riding him.”

In the post-race interview Campbell, sporting a bold and contemporary “disconnected undercut” ­– confirmed his enjoyment of the activities around Constellation, so much so that a member of the 4Racing camera crew noted: “I thought Mr Campbell was auditioning for a presenter’s position. The man’s lips started moving before the questions were asked!”

Mike de Kock, watching from home, was also struck by Campbell’s exuberance and noted: “Mark’s youthful demeanour is contagious. That’s not just a disconnected undercut, it looks like his barber really committed to the separation. The top and sides clearly agreed to see other people!”

But at the end of the day, Constellation’s fine win exceeded Campbell’s impressive ‘DJ starter pack’ and Callan said: “I have high hopes for him. He has a ton of speed, but has taken time to mature into himself. I like the upward trend he is taking.”

Constellation is an Avontuur-bred by What A Winter out of Star Burst Galaxy by Var. He has won four of seven career starts.