We seldom cover racing from Kimberley which takes place most Monday afternoon’s on the red dirt of Flamingo Park. Having different surfaces and varying strengths of competition provides useful alternatives for horses unable to shape in the major centres on turf or Poly, so Kimberley acts as a convenient outlet.
Admittedly, some very weak horses fill these Northern Cape cards, which can be hazardous to punter’s wealth, but respect is due the hardy, salt of the earth characters who campaign there with good humour and resilient spirits. On a rare Saturday meeting, the Flamingo Mile, Diamond Stayers and Sprint took place, attracting the better horses on the grounds plus a few invaders.
Dodgy Itie (speed score 95) won the 1600m contest, to reprise his effort in the same race last year. Bred at Hemel ‘n Aarde Stud, this 45K purchase at a RTR Sale back in 2013, is a Latino Magic gelding that has now won seven races from 28 starts during a productive career yielding stakes of over 540K.
That speed figure is about as good as it gets for this venue. Tweed Valley arrived as a one- time winner from Durban where she’s been placing in MR 80 handicaps. Attaining a figure of 86 was sufficient to win the Sprint and uphold the sharp raiding record of trainer, Kom Naidoo.
Sea Bean beat Netherby Hall in the Diamond Stayers over 2200m in a slog through the tiring sand. The winner is a Philanthropist mare trained by Tienie Prinsloo. She was fitter than her rivals, having won here just 12 days ago.