Legislate (speed score 113) came back from a five month break to win the Gold Challenge and confirm his status as a truly outstanding miler. The son of Dynasty has run some of his best races fresh and was heavily punted in from 7-2, as stable mate Futura eased out in the market after opening at evens. Richard Fourie cleverly used forcing tactics on the big actioned bay, and though Willow Magic (s/s 112), Bezanova (112) chased throughout whilst delivering high class performances, Legislate confirmed his superior talent by wiring quality Grade 1 opposition. Futura did not have the best of trips yet scored 111, running on strongly, and must be a huge contender in the July over more ground.
Hammies Hooker (s/s 105) is a tremendous race mare, formidable over 1400m and she clinched the Tibouchina Stakes. She quickened well, getting first run on Same Jurisdiction (s/s 104) who was slow out the gate, caught wide and then launched a belated stretch run which fell short by a half-length. Pace setting Maybe Yes (s/s 103) kept third spot.
A juvenile Stakes, named after feisty and talented chestnut legend Gatecrasher, fell to a very promising youngster, Rabada (ss 100). He skated in by a comfortable margin and looks worth following.
Punta Arenas won the Cup Trial for soon- to- retire trainer Stan Elley. He has called time after 41 years of skilled horsemanship, conducted in a most gentlemanly manner. Fittingly, his staunch friends and longstanding patrons over the years, Mike Fullard, James Drew and Butch Watson Smith own Punta Arenas, who surely has earned another dip at the Durban July.
