Jet Dark recorded a momentous double by winning the 2022 Queens Plate at Kenilworth. Under a perfect rail-skimming ride from S’Manga Khumalo the son of Trippi outran Kommetdieding in the finish getting an excellent speed figure of 109 +. Taking his swift closing sectional into account, that number can be upgraded to around 115, which is outstanding in the South African context!
The winner has thrown in a few off-kilter performances but overall is consistent and a truly high-class miler. He was one of a whole bunch of victors trained by Justin Snaith who swept all five Graded Stakes over the two-day LQP festival.
On Friday, Gimme Dat (s/s 104) was awarded the G2 Sceptre Stakes after original winner Mercury Rising was declared a non-runner for jumping ahead of the field.
Snaith’s other successes were Hoedspruit in the Premier Trophy, Captain’s Ransom in the Paddock Stakes and Doublemint in the Chairman’s Cup.
Hoedspruit also earned a big fig – 108. He skimmed through down the inside rail under an inspired Richard Fourie to narrowly deny Super Silvano and Firealley who both attained 107’s. Sovereign Spirit ran right up to form with a number of 106. Snaith confirmed that Hoedspruit will next run in the Met. He’s not the worst longshot there based on his best form.
Favoured, Captain’s Ransom (s/s 96) continued her winning streak in G1’s – but only just. She was hard pressed in a blanket finish to the G1 Paddock Stakes as Chansonette, Marina and Princess Calla attacked on both sides. 1800m seems the outer limit of her stamina reserves (she’s run 105’s over shorter) with class getting her home.
One Way Traffic was heavily punted to collect the Chairman’s Cup and under a vigorous front-running ride from Khumalo looked like landing the plunge. That’s how it appeared, at least until rejuvenated stable mate, Doublemint scythed through between horses to get the verdict on the line.
Real Gone Kid (s/s 103 +) has received some glowing comments in these posts already this Summer based on the powerful numbers he’s been recording. On Saturday, he duly strolled to a predictable win in a Pinnacle Stakes as 1/3 favourite, which is part of his prep for the Flying Champs. Brett Crawford’s charge rates a strong chance in that upcoming G1 given that he’s already hit notable speed scores between 110-112.