Duke Of Lorraine extends: Promising!

Duke Of Lorraine came under pressure a few times in Race 4 over 1600m at the Vaal on Thursday, and gave extra every time to win - the sign of a runner with heart - and that is always a good sign for the future.

"He hit a bit of a flat spot before the straight, but he quickened every time they joined him, he was completely settled today," confirmed jockey Keagan De Melo, who echoed: "That's very encouraging!"

Mathew de Kock said Duke Of Lorraine is a typical staying type who improves with every run - hoping that he does so again in his next run, and the next. "I like the way he extended today. The further he goes, the better he is going to be."

Mat thanked the Wernars family for their support - the stable has a few decent Wernars runners that will be coming through the ranks, and welcomed Duke Of Lorraine's part-owners Lance and Natalie Everedd-Hall, and Grant Paola. "This is our first winner for them."

Duke Of Lorraine is a gelding by Rafeef out of Maria Theresa, by Dynasty, bred by Mr G and Mrs J Davies.