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
Majmu (speed score 102+) won the Fillies Guineas as expected, her task made easier by the unfortunate withdrawal of Cold As Ice after a mishap down at the start. Majmu was ideally placed in the box seat and proved much the best with a strong rails run. The Redoute's Choice filly is likely to be
Louis The King (s/s 110) had run really well in the Daily News to get close to the awesome Legislate, despite a torrid passage. Given what Legislate is accomplishing, it seems that any horse able to get within spitting distance of the champ is liable to pick up a big race in SA. That is
