Noah from Goa (speed score 105) won the Grade 1 Grand Parade Cape Guineas in a brave performance. He raced handy from a low draw, kicked early then staved off deep closers Brazuca (s/s 103) and Nassa (s/s 103) with hot favourite Silver Mountain (s/s 103) switching and staying on for fourth. The winner has won five of six starts since debuting in mid-September and whilst he may not be the most brilliant three year old that Mike de Kock has handled, he must be one of the gamest fighters. Noah from Goa may now be a possibility for the Queens Plate.
Trainer of the second placed Brazuca; Johan Janse van Vuuren described the Teofilio colt “as a very good horse.” Assistant trainer Barry Donnelly lamented, “Imagine if the draws were turned around.” in reference to the tremendous effort of Nassa, who came from 17 draw to the inside, then switched back to the centre of the course before going down under a length. The very talented, Nassa will now most likely head off to the Far East under the care of Tony Millard.
Same Jurisdiction (s/s 103) is a really smart filly and she quickened away to win a Conditions Plate running the last 600m in a brisk 34.6 seconds. She is poised to win a big one during the cape Summer of Champions.
In earlier sprint action, Dixie Express (s/s 98) easily won her fifth race from seven starts – an unusual achievement attained in quick succession in the lower level handicaps. Tar Heel (s/s 96+) also doodled the Need For Speed Sprint to build on an impressive juvenile record, and will go on to beat stronger opposition over the short cuts.