Some quality performances heralded the start of spring around the country with Captain’s Ransom (speed figure 105), Eden Roc (s/s 105 +) Anything Goes (s/s 104 +) War of Athena (s/s 103) and Mount Pleasant (s/s 101) all winning smart races.
Captain’s Ransom produced a swift finishing burst to nab Cloud’s Unfold in the G3 Diana Stakes at Durbanville. This high-class daughter of Captain Al has won 3 from 4 and is on track for the Cape Fillies Guineas.
Her successful trainer Justin Snaith also saddled the G3 Matchem victor, Kasimir (s/s 99 ++) who scrambled home in a false run affair from More Magic and Ready Steady Go. Jockey Richard Fourie did extremely well to recover after Kasimir pecked badly at the start, going on to ride a typically forceful finish and get the favourite home. Rider of the second horse, Grant van Niekerk was disappointed to get pipped after hitting the front with 50m to go and suggested blinkers will help More Magic focus better.
At Turffontein, Anything Goes took out the G2 Spring Fillies and Mares Challenge over 1450m in a resounding three length romp. This Var filly conditioned by Stuart Pettigrew remains perfect after five starts as she drew well clear of Magic School (s/s 98).
Mount Pleasant also stays undefeated after seeing off Cirillo in the G2 Joburg Spring Challenge. This represents a fine showing by the three year old son of Aussie stallion, Vancouver – even with the weight allowance to beat off proven G1 performers Cirillo and Chimichuri Run represents a sterling effort by Mike de Kock’s entry.
Sean Tarry is also getting his string cranked up for upcoming features. His star sprinter Eden Roc finished quickly to account for stable mate Putontheredlight (s/s 103) in an Allowance over 1200m and is worth following.
Two youngsters that should also be closely monitored are War of Athena and Ecstatic Green. Their scores of 103 and 102 respectively suggest they will be significant players in three year- old Stakes races. They’ve tussled in G1’s already, won five races between them and clearly have bright futures.