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 piling in to seemingly invincible horses at short prices was yet again exposed, and value seekers who saw the opportunity as Futura’s odds blew out like a gale were rewarded.
Best rating on the day went to improving three year old filly, Inara (speed figure 103) who won a rough vintage of the Paddock Stakes to give jock Grant van Niekerk his first Grade 1 victory. She just kept going after switching in to stave off a late dart from deep-closing Jozi raider Athina (s/s 102) and the adaptable Jet Belle (s/s 102). The former was slow away, whilst Jet Belle was hampered on the turn, so both could be considered slightly stiff in defeat. Given that Majmu hammered Inara in the Fillies Guineas, it is further evidence of the grey filly’s brilliance (s/s 105+) and her Triple Tiara campaign on the Highveld is keenly awaited.
Arion and Killua Castle got similar ratings of 101 when winning Graded races over ground in different races in Cape Town and Joburg. Both can run higher figures and are fringe contenders in top notch races. Another very impressive performance at Turffontein was delivered by youngster, Ertijaal (s/s 100) who won a strong Sea Cottage Stakes to complete a hat-trick. He has real potential and the horses that finished close up, such as Deputy Jud (s/s 99), Greek Legend (s/s 98) and French Navy (s/s 96) will also win many races as they develop.