Harlem Shake (speed score 95) won the Grade 3 Final Fling Stakes at a swampy Kenilworth over the weekend. The Warm White Nights filly loves it when it comes up mud and is a forceful pace-pressing type. She got beat a wart by Francia in the Winter Oaks when caught late over further, and was still galloping strongly at the wire in this 1800m race to easily hold off pursuers. Fellow three year olds Icy Fire and Sublime Lady chased her home with Fear Not best of the elders – all scoring 92’s.
Zud Wes (s/s 92) was backed like there was no settling and snuck home from Fire Master to land the plunge in a MR 88 sprint handicap. The son of Western Winter who was purchased for over 3 bar appeared to be struggling earlier in his career, but he is now making steady improvement with maturity. He still has his limitations, yet handled the step up in class well enough and is capable of winning more races as he develops.
Brothers Andries and Piet Steyn enjoyed success on the rainy day. Andries won with the weird- actioned Power Grid (s/s 80) whilst Friendly Tibbs (s/s 102 ?) splashed to a career best performance in the last. Harold Crawford was another low key trainer to savour a rare visit to the winner’s circle, when Creme Soda Green (s/s 88) destroyed Maiden rivals in a runaway.
Elusivenechantment is a well related young filly by Via Africa’s dam, Bump ‘n Grind, and she too can sprint really well. She only got beat 2.5 lengths behind Real Princess in a Grade 1 race last time at virtually level weights, scoring an admirable figure of 100, so had no trouble spitting out lesser rivals in a Pinnacle Stakes at Scottsville. Her trainer Duncan Howells landed a quick double when Sylvester The Cat (s/s 95 + ), who had run so well in the Daily News, snuck home after tussling with Arctica (s/s 95) in a MR 92 handicap. The winner alternates really good efforts with some shockers so is hard to follow with assurance, but is talented when giving of his best.