Triple Tiara – The Princess in waiting
There is no question. If Siren’s Call stays the 2450m, she will win the R1 million Wilgerbosdrift Gr1 SA Oaks and become the third filly in history to wear the Triple Tiara. With a confident top jockey and master trainer, and an owner-breeder who has made his case, we are not going to argue.
Peter De Beyer makes an informed case for his star daughter of Elusive Fort and the five-time winner (beaten only by Majmu and placed to the boys in the Dingaans) looks all set to bank the bonus and write her name into SA Turf history.
It has been a whirlwind of a ride for the courageous and talented 3yo as she has repeatedly overcome adversity to step and often win like top horses do – just!
Every piece of reference and every ounce of collateral with her eleven opponents marks her as a winner and besides the stamina niggle, there is nothing to say she won’t win again.
Opposition
Pine Princess – out of a Badger Land mare
There is plenty of class in her opposition and this is horseracing – so let’s tread wearily.
Mike De Kock’s Gr3 Yellowwood Handicap winner Pine Princess ran on steadily for fourth in the SA Fillieas Classic when 3,235 lengths behind Siren’s Call. Prior to that she was well beaten in the Gauteng Fillies Guineas
She is out of a Badger Land mare and looks likely to stay the trip on Saturday.
Juvenile Gr1 winner Bilateral has drawn at 1 and will be ridden by top heavyweight Bernard Fayd’herbe. She has failed to recapture the fizz and sparkle of her 2yo season and was a little flat-footed in the Gr3 Jacaranda Handicap when staying on for fourth behind Amber Orchid.
Oaks Trial
Epsom Downs came from way back to win the Oaks Trial
Epsom Downs ran a cracker from a poor draw and from way back to beat Withbatedbreath in the Listed Oaks Trial. There is no question she stays but carries 6kgs more here at level weights and has more to do.
Gavin Van Zyl’s Withbatedbreath has beena consistent and was only run out of it late in the Oaks Trial.
Her stablemate Rosalie was third there and is another who could be better than rated.
Patchit Baby comes up from KZN and will be ridden by Anton Marcus. She is fit and a winner of two of her six runs. She is yet to be tested at this level.
The principle of backing a winning horse applies. Every time Siren’s Call has been asked, she has delivered.
If anybody can get her to stay, Sean Tarry can. If anybody can get her to win, Piere Strydom can.
Throw in the De Beyer hot streak and an exciting sire. It should be a cracker of a race!
