Rascova stole the G2 Western Cape Fillies Champs over 1400m at Durbanville, being gifted a soft lead then sprinting away from pursuers. Double Grand Slam tried to cut back the deficit but there was no way Rascova would relinquish such a clear advantage on a fast track.
Fast improving, Montien (s/s 101 +) continues to handle rises in class with aplomb. He won the G3 Cape Mile, despite appearing to have a hard task at the weights on official merit ratings. Anthony Andrews worked out a perfect rail-hugging ride from a handy position and they eventually got past Royal Aussie (game bid from a wide barrier) with Cosmic Highway staying on to round out the tri.
Baltic Secret (s/s 101) loves the short cuts, and she proved too quick for rivals in the Laisserfaire Stakes. Her victory was tinged by some good fortune – 2nd placed, October Morn (s/s 100) was blocked at a crucial stage and only just fell short with her closing rally.
King Regent (s/s 106 +) got the day’s top figure. Maybe sprinting is his game after all, (he’s been tried over 1600/1800m) and he’s very smart when jumping on terms.
Last season’s Equus champion Horse of the Year, Princess Calla (s/s 105, has run 113 +) made a satisfactory seasonal debut, with Rio Querari running on strongly for third. The former champion sprinter doesn’t have the instant acceleration he possessed when younger but may yet pick up another big prize over a stiff sprint.
Overseas, it’s not uncommon for sprinters to be competing at a high level as they get older – seven- and eight-year olds can still mix it with the best, if they’re sound and relish racing.
Silver Sanctuary (s/s 97 +) won the Summer Pudding (Listed) at Sunday’s Turffontein meeting. She burst through between rivals to win going away. Mike de Kock saddled the exacta here with Bonete (s/s 96) running 2nd.