National trainer-jockey log-leaders Paul Peter and Warren Kennedy made a seamless transition from the bread-and-butter fare to the first Gr2 silverware of the new season when the big-hearted Ideal World filly Vistula won the Gr2 Joburg Spring (F&M) Challenge at Turffontein on Saturday.
The diminutive Vistula showed terrific heart and courage after a slow start and from her wide draw was many lengths back in a strung-out field early on.
Warren Kennedy and Vistula grab Gin Fizz (Muzi Yeni) late in the race (Pic -JC Photos)
But riding full of confidence, Warren Kennedy had Vistula relaxed against the paint and didn’t panic with the pace on.
Into the straight Vistula (31-10) made up ground and eventually grabbed promising 3yo Gin Fizz late in the race to score by a quarter length in a time of 87,14 secs.
The runner-up recorded her fourth second place from six starts and jockey Muzi Yeni suggested that she could even enjoy a bit further.
Piere Strydom brought Perfect Tigress (25-1) through for third to boost the trifecta.
The winner was bred by Riethuiskraal Stud.
She is a daughter of Ideal World (Kingmambo) out of the one-time winning Second Empire mare, Venus Rising.
She was purchased for R100 000 at the National Yearling Sale and is raced in partnership by the Hyperpaint Syndicate and breeder Advocate Altus Joubert, who made a rare appearance on course to receive the trophy.
A first black-type success, Vistula has now won 6 races with 4 places from 12 starts for stakes of R671 912.
Peter and Kennedy are operating at a 20% win strike-rate and bagged a double as Green Dragon won the fourth – Yeni again having to play second fiddle there again.
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Gr2 Joburg Spring Challenge (SAf-Gr2)
Turffontein, South Africa, October 5, R350k, 1450m, turf, good, 1.27.14
1 – VISTULA (SAF), 58.5, b f 4, Ideal World (USA) – Venus Rising (SAF) by Second Empire (IRE). Owner Adv A P Joubert & Hyperpaint Syndicate (Nom: Mr G T Peter); Breeder Riethuiskraal Stud; trainer PA Peter; jockey W Kennedy
2 – Gin Fizz (SAF), 51.0, b f 3, Soft Falling Rain (SAF) – Espumanti (GB) by Dansili (GB)
3 – Perfect Tigress (SAF), 58.5, b f 4, Where’s That Tiger (USA) – Tree Of Perfection (SAF) by Toreador (IRE)
Margins: 0.25, 1.25, 0.50
