Readers of this newsletter know by now that speed figures over 100 are especially noteworthy in the South African context. On Saturday, we were treated to seven races yielding such scores thus making it onto our (extended) highlights package.

Warrior (speed figure 107 +) was super-impressive downing Rascallion (s/s 106) and Kommetdieding in the Cape Mile. The fluent manner of his victory, including a swift 34.75 second 600m – finish sectional, suggests that Justin Snaith’s charge will be a major player in upcoming Graded races during the summer season.

Hello Winter Hello (s/s 106) made a successful transition to the Highveld, winning the Listed Gardenia Stakes with a powerful move on the stand side of the Turffontein track. Now with JA Janse van Vuuren, she remains a very smart mare on her day and can boast six victories from 16 starts.

Another six-time winner, Capitana (s/s 106) was also impressive when capturing the Laisserfaire Stakes at Kenilworth. Brett Crawford’s runner was produced at precisely the right moment by Anton Marcus to stave off the closing rally of Keep the Lights On (s/s 105) and Hawker Typhoon (s/s 102). The latter is one to note as she was blocked at a crucial point and did well to run a triple digit speed figure after being held up at the 300m mark.

Back at Turffontein, the Victory Moon Stakes produced a most exciting finish. Sparkling Water (s/s 105) came from midfield to secure a narrow verdict over Astrix and Golden Pheasant, who also achieved the same score. Flying Carpet (s/s 101) filled the lower quartet slot.

Battle Force (s/s 103 +) was another to breach the century standard. He has previously run as high as 106 when winning the G1 Golden Horse Sprint at Scottsville, so had no trouble swatting aside opposition on Saturday. He is trained by Paul Matchett who earlier stepped out War of Athena for her Highveld seasonal bow. Despite blowing like a gale in the betting, she quickened away off a slow early tempo for a clear margin victory over Magical Flight and an out- finished, Rain in Holland.

Winter Stories also managed 101 in a strong Progress contest. The second horse Sheldon merited 100 – a neat effort at only his fifth outing whilst Sound of Warning (s/s 98 +) surpassed a juvenile number of 97 and is another with bright prospects.

Finally, the performance of Waterberry Lane is worthy of mention. Trainer Dean Kannemeyer set his Guineas hope a stern task against tough older horses and he duly proved up to it. Historically three-year-old’s with Classic aspirations need to score at least 100 on my speed figure scale to be considered legitimate candidates – that is exactly the number Waterberry Lane earned at Kenilworth on Saturday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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