Just Sensual (speed score 98+) relished the fierce headwind to slice between rivals in the Grade 2 Southern Cross Stakes over 1000m at Kenilworth. She only just prevailed though over Hoist the Mast (s/s 98) who ran a career best, with Live Life (s/s 97 +) enduring a tough trip but managing to finish marginally ahead of Casual Diamond for the places. Just Sensual is probably at her absolute peak over 1400m yet showed her class in this sprint, and also won over 1600m in the Fillies Guineas a year ago. By Dynasty ex Consensual, she has compiled an excellent record of six wins from ten starts plus two places, including a sterling second behind Carry On Alice in the SA Fillies Sprint.
Earlier, the veteran, Friendly Tibbs (s/s 99) was impeccably ridden by Richard Fourie to win a deceptively strong MR 80 handicap over 1800m. The seven-year-old was recording an eighth career victory from 71 outings and is a credit to Piet Steyn – a fine horseman from the old school. The performances by three-year-olds Big Pleasure, Ben Hur and Big Parade could be significant for upcoming middle-distance races. They scored figures of around 98, which is pretty good at this early stage of their careers over ground, so they clearly have potential.
Punters putting Horse Watch Lists together could add PE- based, Beataboutthebush (s/s 96) to their entries. The daughter of Gimmethgreenlight battled to obtain a clear passage in a Conditions Plate over 1400m at Fairview, yet still managed a neat figure behind light weight, Red Granite and Star Burst Galaxy. Beataboutthebush seems most effective between 1200m and 1600m, and is sure to boost her winning tally for the powerful Alan Greeff stable.
Finally, I would like to wish Interbet podcasting colleague James Goodman all the best now that he has called time on his training career which stretches back to 1975. James is a bon vivant who has enjoyed travelling the world, golfing with his mates, playing polo, setting up Randjiesfontein in his early days as a trainer on the Highveld, saddling Graded winners, landing coups and juggling TV presenting gigs in a diverse life, well lived. Health, happiness and good times ahead – whatever your next adventure may be, James!
