Tales Of Bravery once again copped a wide draw and led early in a bid to get a good position. He eventually settled in second as veteran Buy And Sell went out to ensure a good gallop. Black Wing was next best as Master Plan got across nicely to race in fourth, ahead of Chesalon, Solo Traveller, Gold Onyx and Heavy Metal.
Tales Of Bravery moved up to take over in the straight but Black Wing was quickly on to him and kicked into a clear lead. Master Plan started to close in steadily with Solo Traveller also making some progress and Chesalon struggling to get on terms.
Black Wing still had the advantage entering the last furlong and it looked as if he might well have done enough to land his biggest career victory but Master Plan was closing remorselessly and tagged him right on the line.
Master Plan has come along in leaps and bounds this winter, finishing second in the Betting World 1900 and coming into this race on the back of an easy win in the Gold Circle Derby. He already looks a natural contender for the J & B Met and one suspects that there is still more improvement to come. Jockey Muzi Yeni deserves plenty of credit for a well-judged ride and he has struck up an excellent rapport with the son of Jet Master.
Black Wing did everything but win and is entitled to some sympathy after a very game performance. He failed in a number of big-race attempts following his promising fourth in last year's Daily News 2000, but he has worked his way back to form in 2012 and this was much more like it.
Solo Traveller is another one who lost form for a bit before gradually finding his way again and this was another encouraging performance, following his good fifth in the Vodacom Durban July.
Tales Of Bravery had to do some work early on to beat the draw and it was no surprise to see him run out of gas in the closing stages. It was a reasonable effort, given that he is best over slightly shorter.
