Though the racing was postponed due to extreme weather in KZN, meetings went ahead elsewhere around the country with some good performances noted on the clock in Joburg, Cape Town and EP.
Chasing Happiness (s/s 99) hit the top number at Turffontein in winning a sprint from Hierkommiebokkie (s/s 94). But Barbaresco (s/s 98 ++) could have gone faster if needed when romping in a Pinnacle Stakes. This classy grey has already recorded a figure of 106, making him one to follow during the Highveld season.
My Best Shot (s/s 100) is going great guns in the Eastern Cape and is right at the top of the 3-year-old pile. It took the Fire Away gelding a few starts to get the hang of things, but he is really putting up some big numbers now and can be followed with confidence in that centre.
Passchendaele (s/s 99) also caught the eye with a fluent score down the Fairview straight. The track was running quick and the Querari filly took advantage by racing handy then drawing off.
Querari is a good value sire. His progeny doesn’t cost a fortune, yet he’s shown that he can produce high class thoroughbreds such as Rio Querari, Head Honcho, Questioning, Pinnacle Peak, Monks Hood, At My Command and Kangaroo Jack.
It may well be that Nordic Quest can shortly be added to Querari’s “A Team.” She spat out rivals on Saturday at Durbanville, effortlessly winning a 1000m dash easing up. She attained a score of 99 +, ran 104 at her previous start when winning by open lengths, and is a contender for bigger prizes during the Cape Summer.
Another neat performance out at the country course came from Oliver (s/s 102) who won a competitive Class 3. Horses beaten out the places, Magic Verse (s/s 98 +) and Gallic Dream (s/s 96 +) are worth adding to Watch Lists.
The former just needs to crack a draw as his chances have been negatively impacted by wide barriers – he was running on smartly again on Saturday from a hopeless position. And handsome chestnut Gallic Dream made a most satisfactory comeback after a long layoff. He will surely progress beyond that current speed rating of 96 as Eric Sands nurtures his return to peak fitness.