In the year that her supersire retired from the stallion barn after an illustrious career at Avontuur, there was some sentimental irony in VAR’s flashy grey daughter Anna Capri’s victory blitz in the R200 000 Gr3 Lebelo Sprint at Turffontein on Tuesday evening.
The race brought the curtain down on the South African feature race programme for 2021.
Gavin Lerena has enjoyed a purple patch as the sun sets on the old year, and after picking up both features at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday from just two rides, the former SA Champion was on the mark again from just a handful of chances 48 hours later.
The girls dominate as Anna Capri (Gavin Lerena) storms home to beat Gallic Princess (Keagan de Melo) in an exciting sprint under lights (Pic – JC Photos)
After stalking the pacy Winter Stories for much of the 1000m trip, Anna Capri (20-1) turned on the jets at the 250m marker to beat the low-flying Gallic Princess (40-1) by a length in a time of 56,78 secs.
Bard Of Avon (3-1) did good work late to bank third cheque, three quarters of a length ahead of the tiring Winter Stories.
The favourite Alesian Chief showed some early pace but fell away midway to finish just over 8 lengths off.
Both jockey Lerena and trainer David Niewenhuizen credit the starting stall handler staff after allowing the 4yo some leeway.
“She was a bit uppity at the start her last few starts. Today they loaded us a bit later, and while she jumped awkwardly, she was quickly away,” added Lerena.
Racing in the silks of Zane Kirsten, Anna Capri made it 5 wins with 8 places from 16 starts for stakes of R425 600.
Bred by Riethuiskraal Stud, she is a daughter of VAR (Forest Wildcat) – who is nearing close on 60 stakes winners – out of the twice winning Daylami mare, Zemfira.
Anna Capri cost R200 000 at the 2018 BSA National Yearling Sale.
- Next up is the Gr3 London News Stakes, Gr3 Tony Ruffel Stakes and the Gr3 Three Troikas at Turffontein on New Year’s Day.
