Gimmie’s Countess (s/s 97 +++) stole the show at Durbanville on Saturday, winning the Diana Stakes (G3) with a performance of rare quality.
Trainer Dean Kannemeyer rates her highly on her aptitude at work; did not have much to fear from the older fillies, so expected her to run well despite not being fully wound up on her seasonal bow after some tough beats in KZN features.
What transpired was nothing short of sensational. Initially positioned midfield off a slower than expected tempo set by Royals and Unconquerable Lady, the daughter of Gimmethegreenlight was still several lengths off and being niggled along as Summer Lily (s/s 95) made what seemed a race winning move in mid- stretch.
Gimmie’s Countess then unleashed a remarkable 400m – finish sectional of 21,5 seconds to win going away and really get the cognoscenti’s tongues wagging.
Not only was the final time slightly quicker than the Matchem Stakes won half an hour later by four-year-old gelding, Questioning (83.98 vs 84.11, though neither were genuinely true run races) her come home sectional was blisteringly fast, quicker than any of the accomplished older males could manage. And that includes even her stable mate and full brother, champion, Gimme a Prince who, needing the run after a layoff due to knee issues, only got under way late with a 21.75 burst.
Questioning scored 105 + with a sectional upgrade to stay a perfect 4/4 at Durbanville. Trainer Vaughan Marshall believes that whilst very good over 1400m, he is at is absolute best over a stiff 1200m and will aim his charge at big sprints at Kenilworth over that distance during Summer.
Second placed, Montien emerged with credit, too. He raced handy and showed a fighting spirit to only succumb in the last few strides. He is one to follow this Summer in Graded races over a mile and more, given that he scored 111 in last year’s King’s Plate.
As for Gimmie’s Countess, it’s hard to peg her merit precisely at this stage. She could conceivably rate a speed score as high as 110 when factoring in that missile- like finish. Let’s take a conservative approach and wait and see how she fares at her next couple of starts, especially in true run contests against more formidable adversaries.
The dam, Real Princess is a phenomenal producer. Not only did she win the G1 SA Fillies Sprint (s/s 106), but she has foaled, Gimme a Prince (s/s 118, which is right up with the biggest numbers attained in recent years in SA); highly promising, The Real Prince (s/s 100 +) and budding star, Gimmie’s Countess.