Amidst the doom and gloom of a wet Turffontein on Saturday, Richard Fourie produced another professional ride to get Rain In Holland home to win the R1 250 000 Wilgerbosdrift Gr1 SA Fillies Classic.
The Sean Tarry-trained daughter of Duke Of Marmalade is now set to join the illustrious SA Triple Tiara champion honour roll when she lines up in the final leg, the R750 000 Wilgerbosdrift Gr2 SA Oaks to be run over 2450m at Turffontein on Saturday 2 April.
Richard Fourie guides Rain In Holland to a superb victory (Pic – JC Photos)
The Highveld weather has played a key role in the local feature season and caused a lengthy delay after the running of the Hawaii Stakes. But there can be no excuses and Rain In Holland recorded her second Gr1 victory of her career, in scintillating style.
The ultimate pro in the saddle, Richard Fourie explained how the race panned out.
“The pace was on – faster than I actually expected. She is so relaxed but I was actually worried before the race – she was more hyped last time. At the 400m she was ready and there were no flat spots like last time. She deserved this win. Well done to the Tarry and Drakenstein teams, as well as the sponsors Wilgerbosdrift.”
With Supreme Quest rearing over backwards and unseating Apprentice Rachel Venniker at the gate, the field was reduced to nine, with De Kock’s Definitely Maybe streaking away to lead them.
Rain In Holland loped along some eight lengths back in fifth but moved up at the 400m looking ready to pounce.
At the same time Smanga Khumalo was working Desert Miracle through a gap.
But Fourie was clearly armed with the big gun and Rain In Holland (12-10) lengthened her stride to draw clear of Sprinkles (5-1) by 3,25 lengths in a time of 112,85 secs.
The 33-1 Perfect Witness ran the race of her life under Gavin Lerena a further quarter length back, with Desert Miracle (16-10) running on empty a length back in fourth.
After Lerena took a lot of flak in some quarters following Desert Miracle flopping at odds-on in the Gauteng Fillies Guineas, the daughter of Dynasty’s performance today may have some apologising to the former SA Champion rider!
Sean Tarry said that Rain In Holland had the credentials although he always respected the opposition.
Raced and bred by Drakenstein Stud, Rain In Holland has won 7 races with 4 places from 11 starts for stakes of R1 758 500.
A daughter of deceased Danehill sire Duke Of Marmalade, she is out of the Aqlaam mare Imvula, a half sister to Durban July winner Dancer’s Daughter. The mare was purchased in the UK, where she won once from two starts.
We now look forward to the SA Oaks on Saturday 2 April!
