On Her Best Behaviour

Home! My Sanctuary (Alec Forbes) streaks clear to win The Debutante

Duncan Howell’s smart 2yo My Sanctuary confirmed her status as one of the fastest of her generation with a smooth  win in the R200 000 Gr2 The Debutante at Scottsville on Sunday. She also achieved the distinction at the same time of being a first stakes winner for her promising young sire.

There was much speculation in the build up to this feature as to the possible implications of her behavioural problems. After making a name for herself in the King’s Pact disaster of 17 March, there were those that expected her to mess this one up, but her trainer’s confidence was vindicated and My Sanctuary gave no cause for concern as she ran her opposition off their feet, before staying on well to win.

The ten horse field broke on terms and My Sanctuary was two lengths off early as Cayenne led the speed down the inside of the track.

At the 600m marker Alec Forbes eased her into the lead with her considered main opponents, Glorious Moment and Princess Julietta, well out of their ground at that point.

At the 400m marker My Sanctuary was in command as Princess Julietta ran into traffic problems as Marcus worked hard on Glorious Moment.

But inside the 200m marker it was clear that My Sanctuary was not for the catching as she went on to win by a half length in a time of 70,44 secs.

Princess Julietta ran on well for second, while Glorious Moment needs more ground and should be watched over further as she came on well.

My Sanctuary is a first stakes winner for Antonius Pius and is out of the once winning Pulpit mare, Temple Goddess.

She cost a bargain R 55 000 on the Cape Premier Yearling Sale Book 2 and took her career earnings to R 221 375. She has now won 3 from 4 starts with 1 place cheque.

Her sire Antonius Pius is a son of Danzig out of the unbeaten Pursuit Of Love mare and Gr1 Yorkshire Oaks winner, Catchascatchcan. The handsome impressive specimen cost $ 1 500 000 as a yearling and made an early impact winning the Gr2 Railway Stakes.

As a 3yo he developed into a leading miler and achieved a Timeform rating of 123.

Antonius Pius was retired to stud in Australia in 2005, then moved to Ireland in 2006, before settling in South Africa in 2009.

Antonius Pius stands at Highlands in Robertson for a fee of R15 000

How good is My Sanctuary? Precocious she may be, but she could yet lift her game as she matures.

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