Trainer Sean Tarry hit top gear on the Highveld on Saturday making four visits to the No 1 box. Included in the sequence were impressive winners, Seehaam and Tropic Sun, of the Listed Jacaranda Handicap and Sycamore Sprint (G3) respectively.

Seehaam had caught the eye with a fast finish after being hopelessly wide behind Wylie Wench in the Acacia Handicap, and was backed at her follow up as if the result was known in advance. The odds- on favourite was well positioned this time, relished the slightly longer 1800m trip and duly drew far ahead of her toiling rivals on the Turffontein standside track.

An excellent speed figure of 104 + puts her in the picture to be highly competitive versus stronger fields, suggesting she could be worth following especially if raiding coveted KZN prizes during the Winter. Sparkling Water (s/s 96) tried gamely in finishing a distant second, just ahead of long shot, Fort Anne (s/s 95).

Tropic Sun (s/s 100) was another to receive heavy betting action. Lyle Hewitson, who safely steered Seehaam to victory, again got the job done with a minimum of fuss, despite the inconvenience of a false start.

Second time around, an alert Tropic Sun was always in the vanguard towards the outer and it was clear a long way from the winning post that she would free wheel to a facile victory. This talented daughter of Skitt Skizzle has now won three of nine starts with the prospect of further success.

On the same card, Willow Express (s/s 99+) came from the back of the field to take out an MR 104 Handicap in the hands of up- and- coming apprentice Joshwin Solomons. Afterwards, not only did Tarry heap praise on the young rider but he also affirmed the strength of the three year- old colts crop. Tarry made reference to the strong Cape Guineas form-line where Willow Express clocked in last, though he has clearly since benefitted from returning back home and being gelded.

That much vaunted Cape Guineas form is indeed potent. 2nd placed Linebacker has gone on to win the G1 Cape Derby from 3rd placed, Rascallion – with fifth placed The Gatekeeper managing third in the Derby. The fourth finisher in the Guineas, Jet Dark subsequently swept the G1 Queen’s Plate, and Malmoos, who finished in the ruck in the Guineas has gone on to triumph in the first two legs of the Triple Crown in Johannesburg!

The grey son of Willow Magic finished nicely here (closing sectional of 105% as a 300m to wire ratio for the 1400m journey) to sweep past older campaigners Approach Control, Zouaves and Wonderwall, who have won 17 races between them. Tarry is very sharp when it comes to placing his charges in the right spots – it will be most interesting to see how this astute conditioner maps out the improving, Willow Express’ future plans.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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