If ever a horse deserved a breakthrough win, after four consecutive close seconds in feature races, it was Linebacker. And he duly got his just reward in the G1 Cape Derby when comprehensively out-finishing all rivals.

Despite being by a speed sire Captain of All, Linebacker proved he loves 2000m, earning an excellent speed figure of 107 with an impressive come home sectional ratio of 108%. He was perfectly handled by Grant van Niekerk, who was in great form at Kenilworth on Saturday and is really developing into a world class rider.

Rascallion (s/s 105) was beaten with every chance and his turn for Grade 1 success might come during the KZN season. He has been regularly placed in races of the highest calibre. Likewise, The Gatekeeper (s/s 104) also ran with distinction and should do better still with advanced maturity.

Snaith trained sprinter, Rio Querari has been a revelation during the past few months running some big numbers in defeat. He too, duly got a deserved win as heavily backed favourite in the G2 Diadem, accelerating like a sports car to obliterate a good field over 1200m.

The early pace was only steady, affecting the final time, but there can be no doubting his true ability – after factoring in a finishing ration of 109% under van Niekerk’s gentle coaxing, Rio Querari merits a sectional upgrade to a speed figure of 112.

Zarina (s/s 102) is another imbued with the ability to finish strong, so often a decisive factor in turf races. The daughter of Master of my Fate who is trained by Candice Bass Robinson burst through to win the Vasco Prix du Cap going away from very game front runner Icon Princess (s/s 100) and Maledimo (s/s 100). Lemon Delight (s/s 99) completed a difficult to catch Quartet, as odds on favourite Clouds Unfold duffed her final racetrack appearance before going to stud.

Both Cape Nurseries staged earlier in the card yielded two eye-catching victories. Cosmic Highway (s/s 101 +) appears a huge talent for the Kannemeyer stable after hammering Ambiorix (s/s 95) who is no slouch, whilst Snaith trained, Gimme Dat (s/s 89 +) also has scope to enjoy a most productive career. Both are sired by Gimmethegreenlight.

Wylie Wench (s/s 98) took out the G3 Acacia Handicap in Joburg defeating the consistent Wisteria Walk, who was conceding her 5.5 kg’s. Wylie Wench is trained by the Azzies’’ who were also spot on with Sweet Future (s/s 105) in the Bauhinia Handicap. That’s a really notable number for a three year- old filly to record, so this daughter of Futura is worth following to sustain a winning roll up on the Highveld.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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