The Daily News and Woolavington Stakes were the big races staged at Greyville over this past weekend. Lack of a good early pace may have scrambled things, but it’s estimated based on past numbers and collateral form that Rabada ran a speed figure of 105 with Bela Bela scoring 102.
Rabada was primed for a peak run third up after a rest, finishing a game victor after being perfectly positioned by Anton Marcus. The jock lost his stick but was nevertheless able to roust the son of Brave Tin Soldier sufficiently to pip a late charging It’s My Turn (s/s 105). They were followed by the consistent Mambo Mime and Rocketball (s/s of 103) and an improving Ten Gun Salute (s/s 102. Scores over 100 are notable for three year olds, so the 101’s of Brooklyn Brawler, Bankable Teddy, Prospect Strike and Sylvester The Cat who finished in the ruck were still fine efforts.

In the Woolavington, Bela Bela (s/s 102) finished too strongly up the centre of the Greyville straight for Negroamaro and Nightingale, who both got 99’s. Jozi invaders Heaps of Fun (s/s 98) and the progressive Polyphonic (s/s 96) were next best. Bela Bela is quoted at 14/1 for the July, though there must be a chance that she bypasses the big race in favour of another Grade 1 like the Garden Province Stakes on the same day, where she would be difficult to oppose. The Snaith’s also have current favourite Black Arthur and It’s My Turn as prime July candidates.

The former Champion trainer put a relatively quiet spell behind him on Saturday as in addition to Bela Bela’s stylish success, Snaith Racing captured both Nurseries in the Cape. Nordic Breeze was neatly covered up by Robert Kathi on the inside before finishing too powerfully for her more fancied companion The Merry Widow. Then in the Colt’s edition, a much fitter Sergeant Hardy (s/s 95) turned it around big time to go start to finish, accounting for highly rated rivals, Attenborough and Our Mate Art, neither of whom ran up to their previous best.