Solid Speed got a neat figure of 100 when just denying St Tropez in the 1900 at Greyville on Friday night. The winner has a serious turn of foot and his early move proved decisive – he has now won eight of 15 starts from a mile up to 2400m. St Tropez ran on well from off the pace in a most encouraging run after being off track for six months, and he too could be a plausible contender in upcoming big races.
Marinaresco (s/s 91 +) won the Grade 3 Winter Classic at Kenilworth quite cosily from Whisky Baron. Described as “a machine” by excited jockey Grant van Niekerk, he may now try get into the July. His earlier figures of 105 would certainly make him a live candidate, whilst his best attribute is the ability to accelerate instantaneously.
Chevauchee (s/s 100) earned valuable Black Type when holding off Beach Goddess (s/s 99) in the Olympic Duel Stakes with Neala (s/s 98) also running a smart race. The winner was one of many favourites to score at Kenilworth – all of William Longsword, Carrie Bow Cay, Captains Flame (s/s 96 +) and Marinaresco landed the odds for happy punters.
Best efforts on the Highveld came from Pivotal Pursuit (s/s 101) and Alghadeer (s/s 98). The former is a very consistent six year old that has raced just 21 times since debuting in mid-2012, only missing the frame twice from his last 14 starts. Alghadeer has traversed the country, running in all three major centres, and can win more races over middle distances at the appropriate class level.
In news from America, “If at first you don’t succeed, try try again,” could be Exaggerator’s motto. Defeated repeatedly by previously unbeaten Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist, his perseverance was eventually rewarded in the slop at the 141st Preakness. The torrid early fractions set things up nicely for his stretch run – even deep closer Cherry Wine was able to edge out the exhausted 3-5 fav into third spot. Nyquist had raced very quickly up front, before those exertions took their toll and he wavered in the final stages. The Preakness is the second leg of the historic Triple Crown, which American Pharaoh was able to sweep last year in a rare achievement.