There was some excellent performances over the Easter weekend, starting with the Justin Snaith stable landing a feature race double in PE on Friday. Door of Deception had superior speed figures yet was at generous price compared to odds-on stable companion Charles Lytton, and got home in the Guineas thanks to a well-judged and vigorous ride by S'Manga Khumalo. The winner (speed score 102) is a strong galloper and worth following in the right class, whilst Charles Lytton (s/s 101) (out of teaser sire Thomas Crown), is a very game performer.
The Snaiths also sent out Nursery winner Captain Swarovski (s/s 90) who swept past rivals after racing last in the early part. He looks a most promising juvenile.
Solar Star (s/s 99) continued Dean Kannemeyer's brisk start to his KZN campaign when justifying strong support to win a MR 94 handicap at Greyville's night meeting on the Poly. Top weight Bold Inspiration ran bravely, only to cave in the last 50m, as Solar Star went by to win comfortably in the end.
At Turffontein, Dollar Dazzler (s/s 102+) won the Grade 2 Senor Santa Handicap, coming home with a wet sail up the outside. Favoured Willow Magic was a costly flop for many punters (over 400k traded on Interbet) as he raced awkwardly throughout and trailed in near the back of the field.
Tzigane (s/s 100) produced a withering stand-side run from way back to nail Virgo's Babe (s/s 98) in the Sycamore Stakes. It was a fine effort by the Doowaley mare who received yet another tremendous ride from "Striker" Strydom.
Trials for the Oaks and Derby fell to Epsom Downs (s/s 96) and Legal Eagle (s/s 94+) respectively. The latter was especially impressive, just free-wheeling to an easy win under the hands at only his fourth outing. He has obvious scope and could well be threat against tougher rivals.
Finally, the performance of Joey Soma's Graduation Day (s/s 97) was notable. It is rare for a Maiden to attain such a big score - the Trippi gelding is laden with talent and liable to win many races if staying healthy. He has a very fine trainer who will no doubt use all his accumulated expertise to maximise this very promising gelding's career...