Horseracing highlights from this past weekend – who to keep an eye on and some impressive wins…
With the retirement of What A Winter for stallion duties, it seemed as if star filly Via Africa would prove invincible in sprint races. She had repeatedly scored figures in the range of 110 - 113 which compared with some of the best SA speedballs in recent years. To put things in context, she was not far off JJ the Jet Plane (s/s 115) and Val de Ra (s/s 115) on her best efforts. Yet somehow she managed to get beat on two successive occasions by Fairyinthewoods (s/s 101), a game filly with a neat turn of foot, but not really in the same class.
It turned out that Via Africa was battling with a viral lung infection which was affecting her performance. She was on the verge of aborting the Cape Season, but a decision was taken to have a go at the Grade 1 Flying Champs as she appeared to be recovering. She vindicated that decision with an outstanding performance at Kenilworth (s/s 110), racing swiftly from an unfavourable inside post, kicking at the 400m then holding off deep closers, Red Ray and Tevez.
Red Ray experienced a troubled passage but did really well to close within a length of the champion filly. He is a top class sprinter /miler well worth following as he matures. Already he is running figs in the range of 107 - 109 which is brilliant for a youngster.
Interbet punters have more quality racing lined up at the Cape - Saturday sees the running of the J & B Met with a powerful undercard featuring the Derby and Majorca Stakes. Big carry-forwards and strong pools make it one of the prime betting days of the year. The form books are out, so start burning the midnight oil, find a few winners and take advantage of the best available prices on Interbet!