There were some tremendous performances over the weekend for racing fans to relish. Abashiri (speed score 109) is vindicating the belief of trainer Michael Azzie by winning yet again in dominant manner. This time it was the Grade 1 SA Classic field that he pulverised, coming from midfield off a strong pace to triumph with authority. Brazuca is consistent, repeatedly running figs of around 103, but bumping Noah from Goa and the mighty Abashiri have kept him stuck in the second box. Third placed, Samurai Blade (s/s 101) ran big and should pick up nice prizes in future.
The Sean Tarry juggernaut was in full force at Turffontein, ending up with a five-timer. Things fell neatly into place for Legal Eagle as he easily dictated from the front to win a false run Gr 1 Horse Chestnut Stakes. Then, juvenile Cloth of Cloud (s/s 90+), progressive sprinter Captain’s Causeway, Wukkin` Up (s/s 95) and Bull Valley (s/s 105) all came home smoking. The latter was particularly impressive when scoring in the Man O War Stakes and is worth following closely.
The procession of favourites was briefly halted when outsider Juxtapose (s/s 100) turned things around to deny hot-pot Negroamaro (s/s 99) in the SA Fillies Classic. It was a close run thing with She’s a Dragon (s/s 98) and long shot Princess Varunya (s/s 97) also grinding it out at the wire.
Trainer Glen Kotzen produced two stylish winners at Kenilworth. Princess Royal (s/s 102+) is a fine sprinter when in a relaxed mood, and she made short work of her victims in an Allowance Plate, followed by Jane S Piddy (s/s 95) doing nicely to run down Cavallino (s/s 95) under top weight in a handicap.
Brilliant Crimson (s/s 100) won the East Cape Guineas on Friday to maintain the excellent current form of Bass racing stables. The son of Trippi has benefitted from gelding and will win more races. Finally, the performance of Nala (s/s 95) on the Poly at Grayville’s evening meeting is worth mentioning. Suspended after bleeding on debut, this daughter (also by Trippi) ambled in on her comeback, showing neat ability when swotting away Maiden rivals.