Soqrat ran huge figures of 113 and 114 during his three year-old campaign so his return in a Pinnacle Stakes at Turffontein on Saturday was much anticipated. Ridden confidently to race handy under 62kg’s from a wide draw by Callan Murray, this classy colt had no trouble in holding off Like a Panther’s closing rally. Soqrat showed his well-being in this easy romp (s/s 100 ++) over a mile, and the son of Australian stallion, Epaulette is sure to be a principal contender in upcoming big races.
The same Mike de Kock/Murray combo also won the preceding race with Queen Supreme (s/s 93) – another that was bred in Oz. This up and coming filly by Exceed and Excel is compiling a neat record having won three of her four starts.
Agent of Fortune (s/s 103) has suffered through multiple surgeries after knee chips, a complicated breathing op and more routine gelding, so it was gratifying to see him come to light 623 days after he beat Cirillo on debut in the Kuda Sprint. He was able to settle in a stalking role as Bwana hurtled around the Durbanville bends before making a well- timed move. Ultra- dependable course and distance record holder, Photocopy (s/s 99) chased him home.
In a tremendous achievement, trainer Brett Crawford celebrated his 1000th winner when Bag of Tricks (s/s 91) won a desperately tight (and rough) closing race. Earlier, also successful with talented Jackson filly, Pretty Young Thing (s/s 89), arguably Crawford’s most impressive winner was Kilindini (s/s 93 +) in a hot Maiden.
Pinkerton (s/s 89) was backed to beat him and after moving up midway down the straight looked like he would do so. But Kilindini is very smart and, flying through one of the fastest closing sectionals of the afternoon, swept past for a convincing victory.