Lobo’s Legend (speed score 105) won the Grade 1 SA Classic at Turffontein, downing favoured Surcharge (s/s 103) who ran gamely from a wide barrier.
Regular readers know the value of a triple digit speed figure for three-year-olds, so it was a most laudable effort by Joey Soma’s Trippi gelding. Placed runners, Like a Panther and Noble Secret both managed 102’s and should enjoy productive careers.
Undercover Agent (s/s 107) took advantage of a perfect stalking trip at Greyville to easily win the Byerley Turk and stamp himself as a formidable contender for big races during the KZN Winter season. He was chased home by a valiant Sniper Shot (s/s 103) whilst White River (s/s 101) is one to follow when going over a longer route.
Back at Turffontein, Takingthepeace (s/s 99) won the Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic, producing a withering run from the rear to mug Green Top (s/s 99) on the line and reprise her victory in the first leg of the Triple Tiara.
The remarkable Legal Eagle (s/s 96+) dictated from the front at gentle early tempo to win the Grade 1 Horse Chestnut. He remains unbeaten in nine races at a mile in South Africa, having run as high as 115 in his prime over the distance. Without any early pace pressure on Saturday he duly enjoyed a relatively soft win despite Nother Russia’s spirited rally in the straight.
Pinnacle Peak (s/s 104) is a robust sprinting son of Querari, now cleaning up on the Highveld after modestly starting his career in PE. He blitzed them in the Grade 3 Man ‘O War Sprint – Down to Zero (s/s 99) did best of the balance, but was still left trailing in his wake.