Horseracing highlights from this past weekend – who to keep an eye on and some impressive wins…
Legislate (speed score 112) won a dramatic Daily News 2000 after making a big move from the back of the field around the turn. Wavering close to home he was all out to stave off Rakes Chestnut (s/s 112) who ran gamely after being baulked at a crucial stage. Louis The King (s/s 110) made late progress to sneak third from Captain America (s/s 109) in a truly high class contest - as expected given the excellent performances these top three year old colts have repeatedly produced.
The Snaith/Fourie combo was also on the button with Jet Master filly In The Fast Lane (s/s 98) who produced a well-timed finish to clinch the Woolavington 2000. Athina tried hard to close, with Touch The Sky (s/s 95) doing really well in her first try at this class.
Wild One got the Lonsdale Stirrup Cup in a desperate finish as he just held off the charging cavalry - Gothic, Shogunner, Alexander and Wavin’ Flag. He ran really nicely in the 2013 SA Derby but since that prime effort, had run disappointingly. Dropping to a more comfortable handicap mark and switching to master conditioner Mike de Kock were positive factors in Wild One's revival.
The Cape Town card featured three Stakes races: Power King (s/s 95+) smoothly won the Winter Classic and is on course to sweep the Winter Series, a feat only Pocket Power has accomplished; Priceless Jewel (s/s 97+) easily won the Olympic Duel Sprint: Princess Of The Sky (s/s 91+) used optimal stalking tactics to last home in the Stormsvlei Mile from Acrostar, who tried to close from off the pace after a slow start - a difficult task considering the fierce tailwind blasting down the Kenilworth straight.