Summer Pudding has that winning habit, and She’s a Keeper catches the eye.

Deep odds-on favourite, Summer Pudding duly won the G1 Empress Club Stakes running up to the same figure of 108 that she obtained in her previous start and in the Summer Cup. She remains unbeaten in nine outings at Turffontein and is compiling a formidable record up North. Hardy mare, Running Brave finished second (s/s 107) after challenging late, with Lady of Steel and pace-setter, Wisteria Walk getting 103’s.

Horseplayers are a contrarian breed that reflexively try to find fault with “obvious bankers”. Yet, apart from a solitary failure in the Paddock Stakes after travelling down to the Cape, Summer Pudding has been perfect over a variety of distances in Johannesburg and Durban.

The concern remains that she will need to run faster to beat the absolute best in South Africa. A speed score of 108, whilst admirable, falls shy of what it takes at the very highest echelon in this country, and the Silvano ex Cherry on the Cake bay has three times stuck on that score with par finishing ratios.

That observation is not intended as a slight against her tremendous record, and it is conceivable that she can improve further to beat off all-comers in elite G1’s. After all she’s only run 12 times and is still a four year- old. But, based on exposed form she will need to boost her figures into the 112 + range if she is to keep on winning against more dangerous oppo.

Mardi Gras (s/s 104) attained the day’s next best speed figure when winning a top division handicap. This represented a big wake up from the son of Oratorio who last won 72 weeks ago. This grey gelding has now won 8 times from 24 starts and is smart when in the right frame of mind. Favourite Bold Ransom (s/s 102, has run 105 at best) filled the exacta slot.

She’s a Keeper (s/s 105) was most impressive when taking the Scarlet Lady on Sunday at Scottsville, despite a wide trip. She really stamped her authority with a convincing display, and though the three year- old Scented Mistress ran on smartly she was still left trailing in the Gimmethegreenlight filly’s wake.

Crown Towers (s/s 99, has run 105) took out the Sledgehammer (Listed) using pace- pressing tactics. Black Knap tried to close the gap but the top weighted Camelot gelding was able to resist that rival for his 7^th win from 19 starts.