Overdue! Serissa scores his second career win under S’manga Khumalo
Some familiar names dominated the topliner at Clairwood on Sunday when the Black Minnaloushe gelding Serissa registered a long overdue second win.
Sean Tarry trained the winner for owner Chris Van Niekerk and jockey S’manga Khumalo, whose seventh winner it was since returning last Monday after a short break, following Super Saturday.
The R94 000 Merit Rated 96 Divided Handicap run over the 1800m attracted a competitive field of eight, with some solid handicappers in the fray.
It was left to another son of Black Minnaloushe, in the smart looking Concatenation, to show the way as Khumalo had Serissa relaxed in third position.
Into the home straight Concatenation came under pressure as a probable lack of recent competition took its toll and his lack of fitness showed.
Another For Jay Peg! Jay’s Man runs out a smooth debut winner under Sean Cormack
Candy Moon started unwinding wide out as Serissa shot clear.
In the final 100m Serissa went on strongly and drew clear to win by 2 lengths in a time of 109,88 secs.
Desert Raptor ran on from far back, in a notable change of tactics. He usually runs quite handy.
Top Mark ran out of the PA into fourth, a further short head behind.
Serissa was bred by Maine Chance Farms and cost R300 000 on the Cape Premier Yearling Sale book 1.
He is out of the 4 time winning former champion 2yo filly, Scented Royal (by Royal Prerogative).
He has now won twice with 8 places from 18 runs and took his lifetime earnings to R197 425.
Two debut winners impressed earlier in the afternoon.
Sean Cormack and Dennis Drier were on the button when the R420 000 Ready To Run graduate Jay’s Man stayed on powerfully to win the second race.
The Normandy Stud bred chestnut son of Jay Peg won the Maiden Plate over 1200m in great style, beating the experienced Sheik’s Brashee and the R2, 8 million purchase, Helderberg Blue, from the Mike Bass yard.
Charles Laird and Kevin Shea teamed up with the A$50 000 purchase German Lady, who toyed with her opposition to win the fourth race, a Maiden Plate over 1450m.
She is by Rock Of Gibraltar out of the eight time winning Fraar mare, My Fraarlein.
