The Matchem Stakes at Durbanville was won by Our Mate Art with a fine figure of 107 as he beat off the consistent Table Bay (speed score 106) in a tight finish. Our Mate Art has tangled with seriously smart opponents throughout his career, without being disgraced, and is really coming into his own now, whilst showing a special affinity for 1400m races.

Gold Standard (s/s 104) made a most encouraging comeback after a lengthy break and this budding star will follow the Green Point, Queens Plate and SunMet route for his Summer campaign. Credit is also due to the physically compromised but very game, Silicone Valley (s/s 105) for hurtling through late to sneak third.

Goodtime Gal (s/s 99 +) strolled in under Anton Marcus to win the Diana Stakes and maintain her consistent race record over a variety of distances. There were also two eye-popping performances by extremely smart three-year-old on the undercard. Kasimir (s/s 105) and Woljayrine (s/s 104) fought out a close finish to a potent Progress Plate and, based on these monster figures, will be threats in much stronger races in future. Earlier, the filly Magical Wonderland (s/s 88 +) overcame a torrid trip to switch direction then zoom home sharply – and stay a perfect four from four.

Up North, heavy rain made for challenging conditions. Bella Sonata (s/s 104) seems to thrive in Johannesburg and she swept through down the inside to win the Spring Challenge from a most promising filly, Mrs O (s/s 103) with Rocking Russian (s/s 100) clocking in third.

Wonderwall (s/s 98 +) was a top juvenile last term and he got underway with a dominant front-running display to land the Grade 2 Joburg Spring Challenge. The manner in which he beat off quality older horses like Finchatton, Will Pays and New Predator bodes well for his three-year-old career.