Majmu (speed score 102+) won the Fillies Guineas as expected, her task made easier by the unfortunate withdrawal of Cold As Ice after a mishap down at the start. Majmu was ideally placed in the box seat and proved much the best with a strong rails run. The Redoute’s Choice filly is likely to be pitched high in going for the Met, such is the esteem in which she is held by world class connections, Mike de Kock and Anthony Delpech.
The same duo were narrowly thwarted when Alboran Sea (s/s 109) was nabbed just short of the line by Fly by Night (s/s 110) in the Southern Cross Stakes. Both delivered quality performances and are prime contenders for upcoming Grade 1 sprints during the Cape Summer Season. Dressed In Cotton (s/s 102) provided the jolt of the day when surging through at 33-1 to catch Villa de Largo and odds on fave, Daring Dave in the Southeaster Sprint. The unusual 1100m distance was key to this success. A fast 1000m is just too sharp at this level for an off pace runner like Dressed In Cotton, whilst 1200m is marginally too far for the son of Jallad, taking the edge off his late dart.
Tiger’s Retreat (s/s 96) won a Conditions race at Turffontein on Saturday over 1400m, though he stays further. He prefers firmer ground, having run figures as high as 105 when beating Master Sabina under the right circumstances. Later on, Mitraad (s/s 94) won the Secretariat Stakes as the de Kock yard got the job done up in Jozi as well. There were a few tough beat stories in this blanket finish – Bichett was stiff and could make amends in similar company if having a smoother passage.