The best quality racing was at Kenilworth this weekend where a couple of Grade 3 events were staged for fillies and mares, catering for sprinters and middle-distance horses. Phil’s Dancer (speed figure of 102, finishing ratio 102%) won the Champagne Stakes over 1200m, whilst Pretty Betty (s/s 97, finishing section 103%) took out the Final Fling Stakes. Both were heavily punted on Interbet on a day where bettors who followed the money got the best of exchanges.

These victories were achieved in the same manner – fit front runners showing sustained pace, not really stopping, and making it practically impossible for anything to come from off the early speed and get past. Riding tactics can be decisive in race outcomes – jockeys Fourie on Phil’s Dancer and Mxothwa on Pretty Betty carried out the optimal strategy in very soft ground (pen reading of 28) with aplomb.

Rain In Newmarket blew the start in the Final Fling which proved costly. It’s tough enough trying to make up ground on a fit and talented front runner – losing five lengths coming out of the gate put paid to her chances there and then, and she actually did well to get within three lengths of Mike Stewart’s rapidly progressive filly who has now won five in a row since shedding her Maiden in April.

Capitana was second best in the Champagne Stakes. This filly is remarkably reliable, with 11 in the money finishes from 12 starts. She too emerged from the defeat with some credit. She tried hard to chase down Phil’s Dancer, only to fall three quarters of a length short at the wire.

Punters were on the right ones at Kenilworth’s meeting. Another confidently backed victor on Saturday was Rockin Ringo (s/s 104, finishing ratio 103%) who continues to do trainer Piet Botha and connections proud. This Rock of Rochelle “reject” is a veritable ATM having now won nine times from 36 starts, including many places. He loves a scrap and again showed his fighting qualities in thwarting Nexus (s/s 104) who just could not get by.

Finally, Voldemort is one for the Horse Watch List. The grey was detached from the field on debut in a sprint but got underway through the last 600m with a powerful rally. This William Longsword colt ex Secret of Victoria is from the same family as All is Secret and The Secret Is Out, so is bred to be smart.