Schiffer draws away in smashing fashion to win the Easter Dash unextended
Avontuur’s sensational stallion Var continued his terrific season when siring the first three runners home in the R100 000 Easter Dash run at Clairwood on Sunday. The brilliant 4yo filly Schiffer waltzed home to outgun her male dominated opposition with a blistering display of speed.
The novel race carries no status in the stud book but it is South Africa’s shortest contest on turf and is almost over before it has begun. It also carries a lovely incentive in terms of cash and provides a great sharpener.
Dennis Drier’s Schiffer showed her class and ability after a 17 week rest following her Cape campaign when she overcame a minor tardy start to put the race beyond doubt after just past halfway.
There were four Var progeny in the field of ten and after MJ Byleveld had tried to poach a winning lead on Bold Var, Schiffer swept past him at the 200m with Normanz (also an Avontuur bred) running on strongly for third.
Divine Jet lost a length at the start, but lost no supporters when staying on for fourth in what will be a welcome prep run for his bigger targets that lie ahead.
Sean Cormack rode a confident race on Schiffer
Schiffer clocked 34 seconds dead and won by 1,25 lengths.
Jockey Sean Cormack was full of praise for Schiffer, saying it was a great effort seen that she hadn’t run since Cape Town.
“She loves this trip. She is unbelievable, a real star. She has a high cruising speed and a furlong out it was no race,” he said before thanking the connections.
Trainer Dennis Drier echoed Cormack’s sentiments saying ‘she is brilliant.’
“As long as we can keep her sound and prevent the bleeding, she will have a great season ahead of her,” he said.
Schiffer races for Gaynor Rupert, Lindy White and Leigh Taberer and was bred by Avontuur.
She is by Var out of the prolific winner producing Jallad mare, Model IQ.
She has a Silvano foal at foot and is in foal to Avontuur’s exciting new man, Oratorio.
Schiffer has won 4 of 6 starts with 1 place and R241 250.
She is unbeaten at Clairwood and looks to have plenty of winning in her yet.
