Two Grade 1’s took place at Greyville on Saturday with Oh Susanna (speed score 100+) and Surcharge (s/s 108) proving best in the Woolavington and Daily News respectively.
Oh Susanna seemingly towered above the opposition, having scored 113 in the Met, but was unsettled early in a slow run affair. She took the whole length of the Greyville stretch to beat off the persistent attentions of Fiorella (s/s 99) and Lady in Black (s/s 99.)
Surcharge was very impressive. He prevailed over Majestic Mambo (s/s 107) producing a powerful surge from off the pace and confirm the merit of his Triple Crown tries when the racing gods conspired against him. Surcharge also outran Cape Guineas victor, Tap O Noth (s/s 107)whilst Do it Again and White River were not disgraced as both got 106’s.
The Daily News is a useful pointer towards the July. Check out Interbet’s ante-post betting for the big race on the 7th, with African Night Sky ruling fave at 15/4, followed by Do It Again and Majestic Mambo near the top of the market. Surcharge and Oh Susanna are reportedly non runners.
There are few Graded races for stayers’ on the SA racing schedule. One of them is the Grade 3 Lonsdale Stirrup Cup over 2400m, which saw a rough tussle between Made to Conquer and Strathdon. The former looked to have it under control despite being carried inwards and deservedly got the verdict to complete his sixth win from seven previous starts.
Princess Rebel’s figure of 97 in the Milkwood Stakes in PE is also worthy of mention. She too is on a roll, having won four out of her last five outings. Arabian Dynasty (97) is also on a winning streak in that centre. He completed a hat-trick without undue fuss at Fairview, and is proving a tough nut to crack off his current official merit rating, which is rising, but still in the 70’s.