Geoff Woodruff’s Silvano filly Sunshine Silk has the Gold Cup on her radar after a fluent victory in Saturday’s R250 000 Gr3 Caradoc Gold Cup.
Jockey Marco van Rensburg rode a well judged race on the Devachander family’s fast improving stayer to win the 2850m final leg of the Pick 6 beating the hardknocking longhauler Walter Smoothie by over two lengths in a time of 185,70 secs.
Marco van Rensburg enjoys the Sunshine Silk victory (Pic – JC Photos)
“We always felt there would be a pace on. So my main goal was to place her properly and make sure that they didn’t get too far ahead,” said the jockey who is enjoying one of his best seasons.
Trainer Geoff Woodruff thanked owners Sunil and Ashley Devachander.
“They have become like family to us and they are away in Australia so were not here to lead Sunshine Silk in. When they stay well you’ve always got a chance and we thought she was well-weighted here. She will go next for the Gold Bowl, which is a genuine handicap. I just hope the handicappers use a bit of discretion. She surely can’t be too heavily punished for this victory,” said Woodruff.
The veteran suggested that the Gold Cup at Greyville on 27 July could be a long term plan.
“We have seen she stays well and she should enjoy Greyville,” he added.
Sunshine Silk was bred by Gold Star Stud from champion Silvano (Lomitas) out of the Al Mafti mare, Vanilla Silk.
She was purchased for R475 000 at the National Yearling Sale and took her stakes total to R613 750 with her fifth win and 12 places from 19 starts.
An excellent record for a staying type of filly.
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Gr3 Caradoc Gold Cup (SAf-Gr3)
Turffontein, South Africa, March 30, R250k, 2850m, turf, good, 3.05.07
1 – SUNSHINE SILK (SAF), 53.0, ch f 4, Silvano (GER) – Vanilla Silk (SAF) by Al Mufti (USA). Owner Mrs A Devachander; Breeder Gold Star Stud; trainer GV Woodruff; jockey M v Rensburg
2 – Walter Smoothie (SAF), 58.5, ch c 4, Biarritz (SAF) – Wild Strike (SAF) by Strike Smartly (CAN)
3 – Tirzan (SAF), 54.0, b g 5, Seventh Rock (AUS) – Tirza (SAF) by Silvano (GER)
Margins: 2.10, 2.40, 2.00
