Internationally, the big news was Arrogate’s demolition job of rivals in Dubai to become the all-time highest stake earner in the World. It was a towering performance as he came from last to power through the field to universal acclaim. His Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert reckons he is a dirt version of renowned turf supremo Frankel, which sets the praise bar about as high as can be!
In domestic racing, Turffontein staged the weekend’s best fare. A number of fine performances of similar merit were recorded over a variety of distances: Brazuca (speed score 101) Belle Rose (s/s 99) and Pagoda (s/s 101) won 2000m races, whilst Champagne Haze (s/s 102) and Seattle Singer (s/s 101) shone in sprint events.
Brazuca streaked away from opposition in the Colorado King Stakes, followed by Belle Rose narrowly surviving Wind Chill’s (s/s 99) persistent challenge in the Oaks Trial. Pagoda was very impressive in the Derby Trial, and this Mogok gelding has really come to light since being equipped with blinkers and going over a longer route.
Seattle Singer flashed good speed on the outer and kept going to land an upset in the Sycamore Sprint, a Grade 3 handicap with a history of throwing up long priced winners. She kept on powerfully to deny the consistent Crystal Glamour (s/s 97) with Al Danza (s/s 95) clocking in third. In the previous race, ace Highveld sprinter Champagne Haze appreciated coming back to the short cuts after recently flopping over further, when proving best in the Grade 2 Senor Santa Stakes. Well bought for 280K at CTS’ Joburg Ready To Run sale in 2014, the sharp son of Kahal took his earnings to over R2 million after 15 starts.
Quirky, Shall be Free (s/s 94) was mentioned in an earlier newsletter and he maintained a winning roll in a medium level handicap at Kenilworth. He needs to be ridden a certain way – since connections have found the key to his “A game” he has reeled off 4 wins from five outings and seems capable of adding to that tally.
Our Icon (s/s 96) is another that has tested the skills of trainer and jockey with a bunch of physical issues. Lightly raced in the Cape on account of all those ailments, he surfaced at the end of 2016 in PE, where he has adapted nicely to both poly and turf surfaces. On Friday, he beat off Pinnacle Stakes rivals to record his fifth win from 15 starts and is pretty talented when all parts are in working order – though it would be reckless to ever bet the ranch on this fickle beast.