Lanner Falcon (speed score 104) won the Grade 2 Diadem Stakes at Kenilworth, with her customary burst of acceleration from off the pace proving decisive. Gulf Storm had gone easy up front, but was unable to match the finishing surge of the Trippi mare. “She felt amazing today, and is a special one” enthused jockey Grant van Niekerk afterwards, an understandable comment given that he has ridden her to all eight career wins. Credit to the Bass yard as they also saddled Fly by Night, who made a rails run to get second place ahead of Gulf Storm.
Just before that, Victoria Lavelle (s/s 102) went gun to tape to win the Laisserfaire Stakes – her fourth score from 11 tries. She proved too strong for Champery (s/s 100) with Real Princess (s/s 100) making late progress into third. All are very promising youngsters worth following, whilst even the fourth placed finisher, Night in Tahiti (s/s 98) ran an especially bold race after a tardy start.
It is Written (s/s 102) won the Xmas Handicap at Greyville to maintain the excellent recent Greyville record of trainer, Dean Kannemeyer. Other notable performances around the country included French Navy’s winning effort (s/s 101+) in a Pinnacle Stakes at Turffontein on Thursday. The high class son of Count Dubois ran gamely at his previous start in the Summer Cup with a heavy burden, and could be on track for a stab at the Met in a month’s time. He is 15/1 in ante post betting with Interbet – multiple Grade 1 winner Futura is quoted as early 15/10 favourite for the big Cape showdown.
Cheers and all the best for 2016…