Make it Snappy (s/s 100) received what her trainer Brett Crawford described as “a textbook ride” by Luyolo Mxothwa to go practically start to finish and win the Cape Fillies Guineas at Kenilworth on Saturday.

It was a first Grade 1 success for Mxothwa who judged the fractions impeccably, as the Dynasty filly sustained a strong gallop throughout the 1600m journey into a stiff headwind. This was only her fourth start – after getting narrowly beat in a sprint Maiden in August she has won three races on the bounce, handling successively tougher assignments with aplomb.

9/4 favourite, Ciao Bella (s/s 97) tried hard without making sufficient inroads and had to settle for second. Hold My Hand (s/s 95 ++) is perhaps the horse to take out of the race for future betting purposes as she came from a hopeless position to get into the frame with a flying finish.

Trip of Fortune (s/s 107 +) is genuinely high class. He proved that again when taking out the G2 Green Point Stakes, showing that he is as classy at a mile as over slightly shorter distances. Full credit must go to a brave Aldo Domeyer who went for a rails run up the outer on Candice Bass Robinson’s beautifully turned out son of Trippi.

A resurgent Universal just staved off favourite Kommetdieding in the battle for second spot. He may still be a bit rusty after a long injury enforced layoff yet still ran with distinction and will make loads of improvement as he gets fitter and goes over slightly further.

Princess Calla (s/s 98 + has run 108 at best) towered above her opposition purely on class and did not let a slow start over 1000m stop her from winning the G2 Southern Cross Stakes. She ran down free striding pacemaker Iphiko (s/s 97) Stiptelik (s/s 97) and Santa Maria (s/s 97) to record her 6th win from 16 starts.

The versatility of this Flower Alley mare is remarkable as she has run big numbers between 1000m and 2000m. Arguably she is best over 1400/1600 – either way, trainer Sean Tarry has plenty of alternatives available.

Finally, Navy Strength (s/s 100) showed his liking for a test of endurance when finishing with great determination to nail another young, progressive stayer, Master Redoute (s/s 100) in a photo finish to the Cape Summer Stayers (G3) over 2500m. Arctic Drift (s/s 99) belied his breeding (he is by speed influence What a Winter) to run on best of all into third just a length back. All three mentioned look like principal contenders in marathon races as the Summer Season unfolds…