One of the most exciting things for all participants in racing is unearthing new talent. Trainer Stuart Pettigrew is developing one such up and coming sprinter, Vars Vicky to become hot property on the Highveld.

This three year- old Var gelding out of Captain Al mare, Seminole was bred by Gary Player Stud, and is building a justifiably big reputation after completing his fifth win from eight starts on Saturday. He has been bought along incrementally – progressing from the Maiden ranks to Graduation/Progress divisions, then into higher grade handicaps before contesting his first feature in the Senor Santa Stakes (G2) at Turffontein.

Punted into favourite on the back of a super impressive defeat of Down to Zero in February when really finishing fast (speed figure 103 +, closing ratio 108%) Vars Vicky did not let backers down – though it was a close- run thing. Bohica looked to have skipped clear at an opportune moment, only for Vars Vicky (s/s 108) to surge late and catch the Cape Town Noir gelding on the post. This was another eye-catching performance suggesting that Pettigrew’s charge can be followed with some confidence in even tougher races.

Turffontein also staged some Listed events. Pamushana’s Pride (s/s 95) took out the Derby Trial in a humdinger over Baymax and Ushuaia whilst the Oaks Trial fell to the Maiden, Aryaam (s/s 92) who defeated Ideal Jet (s/s 90). The winners were trained by Alec Laird and Sean Tarry respectively.

The Drum Star Handicap is also Listed, and in a race which could have been run quicker early, the progressive Savannah Storm (s/s 92 +) held off Cornish Pomodoro’s closing bid to complete a neat hat-trick. Conditioner Phillip Vermeulen has started of his career with a bang – the Randjiesfontein based trainer has sent out 15 runners with five winners – Savannah Storm proving a big help in boosting those notable strike rate stats!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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