| Cape based trainer Brett Crawford pulled off both Group 1’s at Greyville when Lady of the House (speed figure 98) and Edict of Nantes (s/s 109) won the Woolavington and Daily News. He has taken a potent string up to KZN and after enjoying smooth preps, both entries came to the fore in their targeted races.
Jockey Piere Strydom judged things perfectly from the front on the filly, skipping clear and having just enough left to withstand a powerful stretch run by Gimme Six (s/s 98) The winner may have been neglected in the betting, going to post a 25/1 outsider, but Lady of the House was not a forlorn prospect based on a good run in the Cape Fillies Guineas when close to the placings despite suffering a tough trip.
Edict of Nantes won a false run Cape Derby, using sharp acceleration under a cunning Frankie Dettori to burgle the win, but a far better reflection of his true ability lay in an admirable second to Gold Standard in the Selangor in mid November. He equalled that outstanding figure of 109 on Saturday and seems poised to run big in the July.
Market rival, Al Sahem had recorded three fine figures of 103 in a row on the Highveld and stepped up to be a notable second in the Daily News. The score he attained of 108 would also give this three year-old a legitimate crack in the July. Check out the Interbet antepost betting for tempting odds about these principal contenders.
Third placed, Horizon (s/s 104) ran well enough – after moving up smartly at the top of the straight he may have idled slightly when away from company, and could not match the stronger finishes of either Edict of Nantes or Al Sahem. Long shot Glider Pilot (s/s 102) progressed for the lower quartet slot – a notable effort at this class level for the 65K AP Arrow purchase at only his third start.
Earlier on the card, Captain Splendid won the Lonsdale, getting first run on My World and edging past long time leader Serissa. He has been a bit in and out during a patchy career, yet it was a fine return to form by Captain Al’s staying son – together with the long winded runner up, they must both have a shake if going for the Gold Cup later in the season |
