The three Stakes races at Kenilworth could not have been more different from both a results and pace perspective. Unconsidered outsider, Russian Rock, trained by Guineas record holder Dean Kannemeyer, was an extreme bomb result in the historic G1 at an SP of 100/1; Nexus was a middle pin at around 6/1 in the
Kenilworth staged really top- notch racing on Saturday where purists were treated to significant winning performances by Belgarion (speed score 115) Celtic Sea (s/s 113) and Fillies Guineas heroine Captain’’s Ransom (s/s 98 +). The latter took care of her rivals in the G1 over 1600m without any undue bother, stalking a modest pace
Expressfromtheus attained a fine speed score of 103 when winning the WSB Grand Heritage over 1475m at the Vaal on Saturday. The What a Winter gelding is a difficult customer so accolades must be extended to trainer Stuart Pettigrew for getting the best out of this talented but way-wood thoroughbred. Jockey Marco van Rensburg
Quite remarkably, Summer Pudding (s/s 108) remained a perfect nine from nine when scoring a resounding win in the G1 Summer Cup over 2000m at Turffontein. Negatives such as carrying 59kg’s, starting from an 18 draw and churning through sticky ground could not scupper her bid to stay flawless. This heroic Silvano ex Cherry
Expert trainer, Mike de Kock bought Malmoos down from Joburg to extend his unbeaten sequence, in the G2 Avontuur Estate Concorde Cup at Kenilworth and the son of Captain Al duly won the 1600m contest without too much bother. He received a perfect ride from Luke Ferraris, one back/on the rail in the box
Singforafa scored 105 when only just edged out by Celtic Sea and Run Fox Run in the G1 SA Fillies Sprint in July and she reprised that excellent effort in the Gardenia Stakes at Turffontein – though this time she came out on the right side of the photo. It was a tight run
Sean Tarry stepped out accomplished sprinters in a Pinnacle Stakes at Turffontein on Saturday with Eden Roc (s/s 106) just edging stable mate Chimichuri Run (s/s 105). Both have competed with distinction at the top level and should do well in upcoming Summer features over the short cuts. Pack Leader (s/s 103) was widely
Malmoos (speed score 100+) won the G3 Graham Beck Stakes to stay perfect from three outings. He eventually wore down stable mate Forever Mine (s/s 97) after a long tussle. The son of Captain Al has now twice attained triple digit speed figures and is clearly top class whilst there was honour in defeat
Princess Calla (speed score 98 +) won the G2 Western Cape Fillies Championship over 1400m after stalking the pace set by Trickster. Interbet sponsored trainer Adam Marcus has a very smart Flower Alley filly on his hands, evident in how easily Craig Zackey got her to sweep by the leader in mid- stretch. Princess
Malmoos (s/s 101 +) was seriously impressive when romping at his second start, following up after an easy debut win. This son of Captain Al settled behind pace-setting Wine Tasting then drawing away to win comfortably. Any three year- old achieving a triple digit speed figure is worth following with conviction and master-conditioner, Mike