Hawwaam (by Silvano) again proved his superiority by spread-eagling G1 opposition in the Champions Challenge at Turffontein. Closest to him, a respectful three and a half lengths adrift, was stable-mate Soqrat (s/s 111) with Tierra del Fuego (s/s 109) trailing further back in his wake.
The winner possesses a few quirks and has somehow managed to get beat thrice from thirteen starts, but when fully focused is capable of exceeding scores of 117 which is exceptional by SA standards. The notable finishing ratio of 111% which he put up on Saturday is further confirmation of his class. Hawwaam will next be going into quarantine before heading off overseas where trainer Mike de Kock reckons he can pick up significant turf races in either America or Australia.
Talented, but unsound sprinter Rivarine (by Var; s/s 111) belatedly got his just reward at the highest level when staving off a late charging Russet Air (s/s 110) to clinch the G1 Computaform Sprint. The runner-up hurtled through the final 300m in 15.75 seconds with a final time of 56.76 for a finishing speed ratio of 108% – a tough beat. Chimichuri Run (s/s 107) raced handier that normal and could find no extra in the finish to be third, ahead of gutsy favourite, Mr Flood who nearly always runs a figure of 105 – and did so again.
Ronnies Candy (by King of Kings) can turn it on when in the right frame of mind and she took out the G1 Empress Club Stakes with a speed score of 104. Vistula (s/s 102) ran her usual neat race in second, though odds on favourite, Queen Supreme (s/s 102, has scored 107+ behind Hawwaam three weeks ago) performed below her capabilities.
Summer Pudding (by Silvano) stayed perfect when winning the G1 Woolavington at Greyville on Sunday – earning a figure of 103. The Triple Tiara heroine won convincingly in the end but halfway down the straight hit a flat spot and looked in trouble as Lady of Steel and then Driving Miss Daisy (s/s 102) forged ahead. This filly with a remarkable will to win will now get a deserved rest back on the stud farm where she was bred, Mauritzfontein.
High class Rainbow Bridge (by Ideal World) went start to finish in a false run G1 Gold Challenge to deny Vardy, who came from last, making up a lot of ground into a soft early pace. Do It Again ran third just over a length back as the proven G1 class older horses came to the fore in a tactical tussle.
The Daily News was the final G1 of the weekend – here Got the Greenlight (s/s 108) accelerated away from pace-setter, Padre Pio (s/s 106) and Golden Ducat (s/s 106) for a meritorious victory. Trainer Joe Soma intimated that this sterling three year- old son of Gimmethegreenlight will next be targeting the Durban July. Got the Greenlight has progressed from scoring 103’s up to 108 so is clearly heading in the right direction for a tilt at the big one.
What a race it’s shaping up to be in a month’s time – check out Interbet’s ante-post market and start plotting your plan of attack!