Another Saturday, another Gr1 winner for the Snaith Racing Team! Justin Snaith produced his star 4yo Captain’s Ransom – a filly he labels ‘an absolute freak’ – in fighting fettle to grab a terrific victory in the R750 000 Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint, brought to you by The Witness, at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday.
Coming off an eighteen week break after a January Gr1 double over a mile plus, Snaith gave his champion speed work and after impressing Richard Fourie with her speed, the trainer made a brave decision to take his chances in a 1200m Grade 1 event.
It was Snaith’s second SA Fillies Sprint victory – Ebony Flyer was his first in 2012.
“There aren’t that many Gr1 races around, so it made sense to take our chances,” the reigning SA Champion trainer laconically mused afterwards.
Richard Fourie raises the salute as Captain’s Ransom hits the line for a terrific victory (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
Regular pilot Richard Fourie knows the daughter of Captain Al like the back of his hand, and clearly thought he had the race under control some way out.
Such was the ease of her victory that the top jockey had time to greet thrilled owners Suzette and Basie Viljoen on the well-filled grandstand.
Making it all look so easy, Captain’s Ransom (28-10) surged forward down the centre to put 1,10 lengths between herself and the hardknocking True To Life (12-1) in a time of 68,31 secs.
Sean Tarry’s Sound Of Warning (12-1) looked dangerous down the inside rail but had to be content with third, a further head back.
The tote favourite Big Burn (3-1) also flattered briefly but was beaten 1,60 lengths into fourth.
It is difficult to believe that in nay market, the Moutonshoek-bred Captain’s Ransom cost R225 000 at the 2019 National Yearling Sale.
A daughter of deceased champion sire Captain Al (Al Mufti), she is out of the unraced Red Ransom mare Cinna’s Ransom. The latter, dam of multiple winners in Britain, is a half-sister to Gr3 Prix de Saint-Georges winner Black Rock Desert and multiple Japanese stakes winner Toyo Seattle.
Cinna’s Ransom’s own dam, the Plankton Stakes winner, City Dance is a full-sister to multiple Gr1 winner, and successful sire, Slew City Slew.
Watch the replay here:
