Punters are forgiving creatures. After the tote chaos of 24 hours earlier, the betting public climbed into the Turffontein Sunday exotic with vigour as the Pick 6 pool surpassed the target and hit close on a handsome R6,2 million.
Gavin Lerena punches Folk Dance out to an impressive win (Pic – JC Photographics)
Saturday’s Saftote woes were quickly forgotten, and it was Gavin Lerena and Paul Peter who came to the party in the Pick 6 opener.
The combination added some stability and sanity to the Summer Cup day proceedings after the Magnolia Handicap shock of a half hour earlier that saw the Place Accumulator opening with a minimum dividend of R11-50.
The Gr1 placed Tiger Ridge filly Folk Dance had plenty of supporters and stayed on too strongly for her rivals to win the R275 000 Gr3 Fillies Mile and register a favourable opening leg victory.
A popular first-choice for many backers, Folk Dance was nurtured along four lengths off the modest pace set by Cashel Palace and Roy’s Riviera.
The boom Australian-bred San Fermin lagged behind after a tardy jump from her wide draw, as the free-striding Cashel Palace led Roy’s Riviera and Mar Del Sur.
Gavin Lerena – confident ride
Into the home chase Gavin Lerena gradually gave Folk Dance her head as Cashel Palace continued to gallop strongly, with San Fermin flattering briefly.
At the 250m, Folk Dance took command and drew away to beat the strong finishing Aurelia Cotta by an emphatic 3 lengths in a time of 100,15 secs.
The pacesetting Cashel Palace was a little one-paced late but stayed on for third.
The disappointment of the race was the Mike Azzie-trained San Fermin, who enjoyed plenty of support, but failed to go on with her run when asked by Grant van Niekerk. She must be worth another chance.
Winning jockey Gavin Lerena, who said he had only pulled his whip to avoid any late surprises, reported that Folk Dance has a big heart and a good action. “ Last last time she did it the hard way from the draw. Today she showed what she is made of. A smart effort.”
Trainer Paul Peter said that he was grateful for the win after two feature disappointments with a filly he rates highly.
Folk Dance has won 4 of her 6 starts with 2 places and took her stakes earnings to R487 500. She was also the recipient of the R87 500 BSA Added Valkue Stakes Bonus Series.
Bred by Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein, the R100 000 National Yearling Sale buy is a daughter of Tiger Ridge (Storm Cat) out of Liberty Dance (Fort Wood).
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Gr3 Fillies Mile (SAf-Gr3)
Turffontein, South Africa, November 26, R275k, 1600m, turf, soft, 1.40.15
1 – FOLK DANCE (SAF), 60.0, b f 3, Tiger Ridge (USA) – Liberty Dance (SAF) by Fort Wood (USA). Owner Messrs Thalente Myeni & G L O’Brien & Hyperpaint Syndicate (Nom: Mr G T Peter); Breeder Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein; trainer PA Peter; jockey G Lerena
2 – Aurelia Cotta (SAF), 60.0, b f 3, Ashaawes (USA) – Roman Moser (SAF) by Caesour (USA)
3 – Cashel Palace (SAF), 60.0, b f 3, Fort Wood (USA) – Ireland (BRZ) by Mark Of Esteem (IRE)
Margins: 3.00, 0.30, 1.45
