Talktothestars has been a revelation, improving with age to become a star sprinter after appearing to be no better than a top-division handicapper a few months back. His figures have improved from 102 midway through his fourth year, up to 107 (last start behind Carry On Alice in April,) now to a career high of 112 when winning the Grade 1 Tsogo Sun Sprint under top weight. Plaudits to trainer de Beer for optimising the career of this much-travelled son of Overlord. Three year old African Ruler (s/s 106) ran well to snare Exelero (s/s 106) for second with Red Ray (s/s 104 +) making an encouraging return to SA action two years after getting beat by Normanz in this same race.
Vaughan Marshall said immediately after The Secret Is Out’s debut win in January that she was potentially better than her high class sibling All Is Secret. He also decided to make her next start in KZN (the Strelitzia – which she won) then have a dip at the Allan Robertson – the same race that All Is Secret won in 2012. The plan came together perfectly when the zippy filly (s/s 90 +) overcame traffic congestion before bursting through to win, holding off late charges from Fursa (s/s 88) and Visuality (s/s 88).
Marshall is a canny conditioner. He also months ago accurately assessed Always In Charge (s/s 95 +) as his best young colt, and was vindicated when he took out the Gold Medallion under a forceful ride from Anton Marcus. Credit to sire Captain Al (who Marshall trained) for producing both these Grade 1 juvenile winners – he really is a tremendous stallion.
Carry On Alice was odds on to win the Fillies Sprint and provide progeny of Captain Al with yet another success, but wary punters would have noted that Sean Tarry’s yard has been stuttering recently. The very talented sprinter jumped awkwardly, endured a tough trip up the centre of the course, and never looked likely. Instead it was Real Princess (s/s 104) who stormed clear to clinch victory. Credit to Dean Kannemeyer and the vets at Baker/Mcveigh who have helped this classy filly overcome all sorts of physical dramas to eventually realise her true potential. Fly By Night (s/s 101) and Joan Ranger (s/s 100) followed in her wake.