Big Burn proved just how accomplished a filly she is when romping in the Grade 3 Sycamore Sprint on Saturday at Turffontein.
She was excellent from the get-go winning four of her first five starts including a defeat of Under Your Spell in the Spring Fillies and Mares Challenge (a G2.) Towards the end of 2021 she was narrowly pipped by Sound of Warning in the Magnolia (G3) during November. Both those pieces of form put her near the top of the heap amongst her contemporaries.
Encouragingly, the daughter of Elusive Fort is now really training on with Paul Peter and seems likely to exceed her fine weekend speed score of 103.
Brett Crawford’s Kissing Point (s/s 98) showed good pace and tried hard to keep up with Big Burn – to no avail. Still, it was a solid effort by the Global View filly having her first start on the Highveld to get within two lengths at the wire, even if she was receiving 9 kg’s from her high-class opponent.
Eight-year-old Kahal mare, Rouge Allure won the Jacaranda Handicap with a speed score of 98. This is close to her career best of 100, suggesting that sometimes it can be worth persevering into older age.
Accolades must go the trainer Stephen Moffat who not only was able to get another sterling win out of his veteran, Rouge Allure, but also saddled a stable exacta with Opera Glass (s/s 96) sneaking second.
Jockey, Karis Teetan avenged his narrow beat in last year’s Hong Kong Derby (his mount, Russian Emperor [s/s 116] was pipped by Sky Darci) when getting the bob go his way this time on Romantic Warrior (s/s 114) over valiant pacemaker, California Spangle (s/s 114). It was an epic contest worth checking out the action replay on hkjc.com. Here is what Teetan said afterwards, as quoted from the official website.
“This is big for me. Last year was a big pill to swallow when we didn’t win the race. I’ve learnt a lot from that race, and it’s toughened me up. Here in Hong Kong, you learn from your mistakes, and you move forward,” the Mauritian said.
“He travelled a bit the first turn. I had a nice trail through until the straight and I must say I thought ‘God, Zac’s horse is going to be hard to get past.’ This horse is a little horse, but he’s got a big heart and I’m really thankful to everyone – the owner, Danny (Shum) and his team.”