Champions Day at Turffontein showcased the best of the Highveld horses, with a sprinkling of Cape and Durban raiders adding to the occasion. In fact, it was a KZN invader Royal Victory (speed score 106 +, sectional upgrade 112) who yet again made a successful foray to Jozi when winning the Premiers Champion Challenge G1 to complement his 2023 Summer Cup triumph.
He was delivered from well back by Muzi Yeni to join issue with Winchester Mansion (s/s 111) before asserting his superiority. Royal Victory, a typically athletic specimen bred at Ambiance Stud, has now won five of 17 starts and the son of Pathfork is one of SA’s best middle-distance performers. Nathan Kotzen is the conditioner.
At the opposite end of the distance spectrum is Thunderstruck, one of this country’s finest sprinters. He was made to work hard in running down the fleet footed young filly Golden Sickle (s/s 108) when landing the G1 Computaform Sprint with a figure of 109. Thunderstruck is now a seven-time winner from 17 starts – the Rafeef colt regularly runs in the band between 106 and 111 and is a credit to his trainer, Sean Tarry.
Purple Pitcher was all heart to slug out a marginal decision over Pure Predator and Mondial in the G1 SA Derby, whilst Frances Ethel prevailed in the G2 SA Oaks. Both races are tests of stamina at altitude over 2450m.
Other notable performances came from Sandringham Summit (s/s 105 +) defeating Lucky Lad (s/s 103) in the 1400m Hawaii Stakes and Gimme a Nother romping in the G1 Empress Club over a mile. The latter quickened off a steady early tempo set by stable mate Humdinger before drawing away. Taking a sectional upgrade into account, the Mike de Kock trained wonder filly (she is perfect from seven starts) hit a number of 106 +, though she’s run higher still in the past with scores of 110 and 112.
The Turfontein card kicked off with two Nurseries over 1160m. Cape Slipper victress, Candice Dawson’s, Little Ballerina (s/s 89) won the G2 SA Fillies Nursery showing sustained pace, whilst Fire Attack was most impressive in the G2 SA Nursery. Alec Laird’s Fire Away juvenile earned a figure of 98 and is very smart, indeed.