Eight on Eighteen (s/s 108) did not let supporters down at Kenilworth in the Cape Derby, following up on his sterling victory in the Met over the same course and distance. He was made to fight for the gold gong by stable mate Sail the Seas (s/s 104), whilst Garrix (s/s 101) tired late into third.
Eight on Eighteen is hugely exciting. Not only is he already hitting these big speed figs as a 3YO, but he has such a fine temperament and tremendous scope to develop physically.
The Real Prince also attained a strong figure of 107 + when winning the Jet Master Stakes by a pole. He seems sure to win a G1 in future based on the fluency of this victory. And that number could go higher still – a s/s of 111? with a sectional upgrade is plausible.
Direct Hit (s/s 95) romped in the Nursery, vindicating Alan Greeff’s decision to bring the filly down from the Eastern Cape. She had her rivals out of their comfort zones from the get- go and just poured it on to stay well ahead of Winter Snap (s/s 88.)
Gimme a Prince won the G2 1200m Diadem as expected. The final time was relatively slow due to a tepid early pace. But he turned on the after burners when needed, running the 800m to finish in 44 seconds to beat off honest rivals, Café Culture and Questioning.
The day’s other notable figure was Gallic Dream’s s/s of 105 in a strong Class 3 over seven panels. He is enjoying a productive Summer under Eric Sand’s expert conditioning. Runner up, Talk to the Master (s/s 104) got shuffled back at a crucial stage around the turn and then closed willingly, only to fall marginally short. Both these horses are worth following in tougher races.
Siddeley prevailed in the G3 Prix du Cap, a false run 1400m race where positioning and ability to quicken mattered. After jogging along in the early stages, they all accelerated in a mad dash to the wire. Perhaps the horse to take out of the race is Mon Petit Cherie who closed best of all into a blanket finish.
Internationally, there were two performances of repute. Forever Young edging Hong ‘Kong’s globetrotting hero, Romantic Warrior in a Saudi Cup thriller and arguably the world’s best sprinter Ka Ying Rising (s/s 109 +, has run 118) stretching out to 1400m and winning the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup at Sha Tin. Be it on the dirt or on the lawn, they showcased thoroughbred racing of the highest calibre.