Interbet fans savoured top notch racing on the Highveld with Master Sabina (s/s 103) just getting the better of stable mate Deo Juvente (s/s 102) to lift the Grade 1 Summer Cup in a robust duel. Trainer Geoff Woodruff has a stranglehold on this event having now won it three years in succession, running one-two
Noah from Goa (speed score 105) won the Grade 1 Grand Parade Cape Guineas in a brave performance. He raced handy from a low draw, kicked early then staved off deep closers Brazuca (s/s 103) and Nassa (s/s 103) with hot favourite Silver Mountain (s/s 103) switching and staying on for fourth. The winner has
Smart Call (speed score 104) is a top notch filly and she beat off Pine Princess (s/s 101) and two other rivals at Turffontein on Saturday. Trainer Alec Laird's plan is to bring her down to contest a Grade 1 during the Cape Summer of Champions, where she will prove highly competitive based on her
Alboran Sea (speed score 105) scraped in to win the Cape Flying Champs in an exciting duel against Captain Of All (s/s 105). The muscular three year old filly was always handy down the inside, then used her acceleration to seize control of the race. But then Captain Of All hurtled up and virtually past
Fans were treated to two very good fillies demolishing their opposition in sprints over the weekend. Cold As Ice (speed score 106) was super-impressive when winning the Sceptre Stakes going start to finish over the Kenilworth 1200m, whilst Lazer Star (s/s 102) maintained her flawless record when winning the Swallow Stakes at Turffontein. Cold As
Futura won the Queens' Plate thanks to his brilliant acceleration. The early pace was sluggish and he prevailed in the sprint for glory. Louis The King put up an excellent Met trial, though Legislate's effort was too bad to be true - perhaps he was compromised by some respiratory bug? Either way the folly of
Same Jurisdiction (speed score 105) really is a top notch filly and the manner of her Flamboyant Stakes win was eye-catching. Duncan Howells now has a few options raiding for big prizes up in Jozi and her next start is awaited with interest. Goldie Coast (s/s 98) can also gallop with verve and will win
Varlo (speed figure 105) caused a 40-1 shock when edging out Asstar (s/s 105) in the Need for Speed Sprint at Kenilworth on Saturday. The consistent Olympian (s/s 103) was close up in third and all of these promising youngsters should go on to enjoy productive careers. Cold as Ice (s/s 100+) was a universal
Attention was focussed on Act Of War (speed score 104), who started a short priced favourite to win the Cape Guineas and he got the job done easily enough. He made a big move in the centre of the course to hurtle past Harry's Son (s/s 101) and Kingvoldt (s/s 100), going on to win
"Pace makes the race" is a well-known maxim. Indeed, it is how fast horses run at different stages of a race that cuts to the core of an athletic contest. Jockeys able to judge those sectionals precisely, and ration the energy reserves of their mounts in the optimal way, possess a crucial skill. Sean Cormack
