Carrying 52kg’s, Tilbury Fort (s/s 105) swept through to win the 2018 G1 Summer Cup at Turffontein over big outsider Dawn Assault and favoured Cascapedia with the top weight Coral Fever in fourth spot. Tilbury Fort was expertly prepared by trainer Sean Tarry, coming in fresh to produce a career best under Lyall Hewitson, who again showed intelligent judgement of pace.
Earlier, the same combo also won the G2 Merchants with Africa Rising (s/s 103) – a talented but slow-starting son of Visionaire with a sharp turn of foot.
Measured by speed figures, the days’ outstanding performance came from the Geoff Woodruff trained, Schippers in the G3 Magnolia Stakes. The Var chestnut ran huge, attaining a fig of 111 which is quite remarkable for a filly having only her 11th start.
Another key race was the Secretariat Stakes. It ended in a blanket finish with Cordillera (s/s 102) slugging it out with Viking Trail and Blonde Vision. All of these three year- old’s revealed the potential to enjoy worthwhile careers.
Nafaayes (s/s 99 +) is another youngster laden with ability. She raced handy and stayed on best to clinch the G2 Ipi Tombe Challenge on a day dominated by the big stables as Sean Tarry in particular (6 wins) and Mike de Kock (2) cashed in.
Looking ahead, the upcoming Green Point Stakes should be a great race. Staged next Saturday at Kenilworth it features a small yet potent field over 1600m.
Interbet bet punters will have to choose between Legal Eagle (s/s 114), Undercover Agent (s/s 110), Do it Again (s/s 106), Hat Puntano (s/s 105), Rainbow Bridge (s/s 109 +) and Copper Force (s/s 106).
The figs suggest that Legal Eagle, who scored 109 in a recent sprint win, will again run up to his best form over his preferred mile trip, though he will be sorely tested by formidable pace-presser, Undercover Agent – just like his recently retired stable mate Captain America, who tangled repeatedly with the “Eagle”.
Rainbow Bridge brings a flawless record into the contest. As a young, developing horse it’s quite conceivable that he surpasses recent scores of 107+ and 109+ and beats off the established stars. It should be a brilliant showdown!