Master Sabina (s/s 107) doubled up in the Summer Cup, bursting between The Conglomerate (s/s 106) and Master Switch (s/s 106) to win for trainer Geoff Woodruff who seems to own the Grade 1 Highveld showdown. He has won the last four editions with Yorker, Louis the King and now Master Sabina going in yet again.
Race-goers saw outstanding performances in the three year old races. Green Pepper had run an eye-popping figure of 107 in mid-November and she repeated that when smashing rivals in the Magnolia Handicap. The daughter of Gimmethegreenlight handled the sticky surface without any fuss and is seriously smart – her only defeat thus far was when unluckily beaten a wart by Hack Green at Scottsville after being carried out.
The Dingaans is historically a strong race and a key pointer to Classic prospects. Singapore Sling (s/s 107 bested Heavenly Blue (s/s 105) this year and the speed figures attained indicate that both are top horses. The Philanthropist gelding winner sidled in on debut, then regressed second up before running on well to Doosra over shorter earlier this month. Heavenly Blue was also right there from the same form-line, as both horses stepped up their performance level over the extra ground. They can be followed with confidence.
Trip To Heaven (s/s 96 +) walked out the stalls as usual but made up the deficit quickly enough to win the Grade 2 Merchants. He has often run figures in the band between 104 – 106 and is actually quite consistent despite a history of breathing problems and those tardy starting habits. Credit to trainer Sean Tarry who has so skilfully handled a difficult customer – all told, the champion trainer saddled five winners on the marquee day to showcase his expertise.