The Highveld Autumn season continued at Turffontein on Saturday with some fine performances in Graded races. Highlights were both Classic races for three-year-olds, the second Leg of the Triple Crown/Tiara.

Under Your Spell, a Capetown Noir filly, took out the Hawaii Stakes (G2) as she accelerated swiftly in the centre of the track to outrun Red Saxon, who had stalked a soft pace. Under Your Spell is trained by Sean Tarry. She has run second to Princess Calla over 1600m before in a G1 at this course but is best known for her exploits at 1200/1400m making it a wise strategic move to enter her in this contest.

That was followed by three races over 1800m with Bless My Stars (s/s 97 +), Anfields Rocket (s/s 105) and Infinite Wonder (s/s 101) getting the gold gongs.

It was a close-run thing before Tarry’s 10/1 shot, Bless My Stars (by Gimmethegreenlight) was awarded first place in the SA Fillies Classic (G1) as she fought out a life and death struggle with strongly punted, Feather Boa – only getting the wafer-slim verdict on the bob.

Anfield’s Rocket was also involved in a thriller in the SA Classic (G1) contested by colts and geldings. After being conserved at the rear of the field, 33/1 outsider Jimmy Don (s/s 103) flashed home up the grand side rail looking like the winner, only to be outrun late by the remarkably versatile son of Coup de Grace, who has won over 1000m (2x) 1200, 1400 and now this 1800m trip.

The Grant Maroun trained victor and Jimmy Don were followed in by third placed, Billy Bowlegs (s/s 102), with Eye of the Prophet (s/s 101) and Royal Victory (s/s 100) next in line as they recorded practically the same speed scores they managed in the Gauteng Guineas, the first Leg of the Triple series.

Finally, Paul Matchett’s low-weight, Infinite Wonder (s/s 101) clinched the Drum Star Handicap at an S.P. of 17/2. The exacta spot was filled by favourite, Litigation (s/s 99) who was conceding the winner 6.5kg’s.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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