Fans on the Highveld were treated to quality racing at Turffontein’s rain soaked track on Saturday. Only really good horses can record triple digit speed figures on the scale I use, so Nother Russia (s/s 105) Rafeef (s/s 103) and Janoobi’s (s/s 103) winning efforts gets a big thumb’s up.
In the Acacia Handicap, Nother Russia had an eventful trip. She overcame a wide gate, came from the back of the field and drifted across the course before outduelling Bella Sonata (s/s 105.) The runner up handled the 1600m test, only to go down narrowly in a tight finish. The winner’s dam used to run figures of 113+ and was a tremendous performer – even if her daughter does not scale those heights she is still doing admirably, already winning half her eight starts, including this Grade 3.
Rafeef won the Grade 2 Hawaii Stakes to maintain a clean, top class record. Apart from a flop in the Nursery when hampered, the son of Redoubte’s Choice has been most dependable over extended sprints and up to a mile. He just beat off a game New Predator (s/s 102) with Kangaroo Jack (s/s 100) and Fort Ember (s/s 100) next best.
Janoobi received a wizard-like ride from Piere Strydom to score from the front in the Gauteng Guineas and record a tremendous milestone for expert trainer, Mike de Kock – his 3000th winner! Cream rises to the top – not only do Strydom and de Kock have world class credentials but the excellent stallion, Silvano was responsible for siring both the winner and the second horse, Al Sahem (s/s 103.) The runner up put forth a fine effort at only his third start and clearly has a very bright future.
Another horse to take out of this race for future betting purposes is Heavenly Blue (s/s 100 +). Despite not being fully cranked up after 77 days off track, he ran on well for third and should appreciate an even stiffer test. Given that he ran 109 in the Dingaans back in November, he is liable to exceed that score with added maturity so he must rate a major player in the upcoming Classic over 1800m.
Finally Smiling Blue Eye’s victory in the Grade 2 Fillies Guineas was achieved with a minimum of fuss. The 19 draw was no hindrance and her stand-side rails run proved irresistible. The Dynasty filly out of Sage Blue is sure to record higher figures than the 96 + she attained on Saturday.