Interbet racing fans had a busy weekend and there were some notable performances on tracks around the country.
At Turffontein, the filly Siren Call (speed figure 97) won her second consecutive start with a fluent win. She got the better of Smart Call in the closing stages and looks worth following in stronger fields. In the previous race, Sharp Design, who is one of Jozi’s best sprinters having run as high as 109 in the past, took to the inside track really well, hugging the rail all the way and proving too good for Pinnacle Stakes rivals.
Precursor was given a glowing write-up here after his sand win at the Vaal a few weeks ago (scoring 107) and that form was franked when Belong To Me, who was trounced over five lengths, romped to victory in a competitive looking Progress Plate. Precursor has done best on the sand but has also won on the turf, so the speedball’s next start is awaited with relish.
Cape based Justin Snaith managed to get a winning effort out of Another Idea (s/s 89), despite having been off-track for 519 days. To win after such a long layoff is most unusual and represents a rare feat for the champion trainer. Top score at Durbanville was attained by Anzac (s/s 96) as the grey prevailed over Big Cat (s/s 95) in a driving finish, whilst the Joey Ramsden barn landed a betting plunge with The Conglomerate (s/s 89) being backed from 8’s into 3’s and sneaking home in the last.
Exciting duels characterised Greyville’s Sunday meeting on the Poly. Showmetheway (s/s 102) just got by Pej (s/s 102) in Race 1 whilst Royal Denise (s/s 93) was backed at 33-1 into 12’s and prevailed over Sakania (s/s 92). Clipperton Island (s/s 95) went gun to tape to hold off Vienna Wood (s/s 95) in another tight tussle then Indian Connection (s/s 91) won a blanket finish in Race 7. Finally, mention should be made of debutant Regardstobroadway (s/s 94) under “Superman” Marcus, who duly saluted after receiving strong betting support.