Master Archie (speed score 111) dazzled in the Grade 1 Computaform Sprint to add further credence to sire Rafeef’s burgeoning credentials as a versatile and top-quality producer.

The winner is trained by Paul Peter, who enjoyed a stellar Champions Day at Turffontein, taking out both G2 Nursery’s (Maharanee & Miss Cool) as well as the Grade 1 Champions Challenge with long shot, Astrix.

Master Archie is a grey three-year-old who had hinted at being capable of running a seriously big number in the build up to this prestigious sprint race that Peter has coveted winning. Once Gavin Lerena set him alight, Master Archie cleared off to a convincing victory over three-year-old filly Big Burn (s/s 104) and accomplished mare, True To Life (s/s 103). The fact that Master Archie can hit such an impressive speed score whilst still a youngster augurs extremely well for his future and he is surely set to win more G1’s.

Astrix (s/s 106) was all out to stave off Sparkling Waters (s/s 106) late charge in the Champions Challenge. Hot odds-on favourite at 8/10 was Kommetdieding who moved up with intent midway down the straight but failed to go on with his effort, tiring and finishing out of the placings in the testing 2000m event.

Astrix (by Vercingetorix) has repeatedly been beaten in level weights Grade 1 and 2 contests, albeit by only a few lengths. Hindsight is perfect science – his narrow defeat in the Victory Moon Stakes when conceding 4kg’s in weight to Sparkling Water perhaps gave him a squeak, but it was a largely unexpected win that, at 66/1 was a big turn up for the books. JP van der Merwe was the winning jockey.

In other feature action, a slightly below best Rain in Holland (Duke of Marmalade) was all out to win the G2 Gerald Rosenberg over Perfect Witness and Pink Tourmaline. She earned a speed score of 95 + having already run a few 102’s during the Highveld season. Main thing for her fans is that she got the job done.

Winter Smoke provided another boost for Fortune Racing Stables. She took out a closely contested Camellia Stakes with Sound of Warning and Sweet Future completing the trifecta. The daughter of What a Winter often hits scores of 100, and that proved good enough to add a G2 to her resume, having previously won up to G3 class.

Sean Tarry’s Full Velocity (s/s 102 + romped in the G3 Pointsettia Stakes at Scottsville on Sunday. The daughter of Philanthropist seized command going into the final 400m and won in hand. Favorita (s/s 97) rallied late down the inside rail to sneak the exacta slot over stable mate, Kwinta’s Light.

Isivunguvungu (s/s 103) was also a fluent winner – this What a Winter gelding is developing into a talented sprinter in 2022 under Peter Muscutt’s care, and he proved much the best in the In Full Flight Stakes. Socrates and Mount Pleasant gave chase but were left toiling in the victor’s wake.

Prophet (s/s 88 +) is another to keep onside. He sauntered home in the Godolphin Barb Stakes without drawing deep breath. Corne Spies trains this precocious Querari juvenile.