Drakenstein’s proven stallion Philanthropist produced his first SA-bred stakes winner courtesy of the beautiful grey Avontuur-bred galloper She’s A Giver, who gave her rivals a goodbye wave at the 300m to win the R250 000 Gr3 Starling Stakes in fine style.
Gavin Lerena enjoys his easiest win on the day as She’s A Giver stretches beautifully (Pic-JC Photos)
Philanthropist’s outstanding stakes winning track record in North America, where he is challenging the lead on the champion sires synthetic track log, coupled with the outstanding physical quality of his produce has had the buyers chasing to get in early – with R1,1 million achieved at the BSA National Yearling Sale held earlier this year and then topping the charts at R1 050 000 for a colt at the KZN Sibaya Yearling Sale.
Philanthropist’s Gr1 placed daughter Sail, trained by Dennis Drier, finished like an express train for second in the recent Gr2 Choice Carriers Championship, and looks a lively Cape Fillies Guineas candidate at this stage of the game.
But back to the all-conquering Lerena-Van Vuuren combination, who could hardly put a foot wrong on Saturday.
Ridden from just off the pace, She’s A Giver rocketed into the lead at the 300m and proved too good for her hapless opposition, running them ragged to beat the Listed Devon Air Stakes winner Maleficent unextended by 3,75 lengths in a time of 83,27 secs – quicker than Chili Con Carne’s winning the Emperors Palace Ready To Run Cup earlier.
Geoff Woodruff’s recent debut winner Al Danza finished best of the rest 0,20 lengths back.
The rest were nowhere.
An elated Johan Janse van Vuuren revealed later that a spiked temperature on Friday had almost scuttled the plans.
“When I woke up on Saturday morning I was in two minds whether to run her or scratch her. I rung the vet, let it ring three times and hung up. She’s A Giver had eaten her breakfast and she was looking well, so we decided to keep her in,” he said.
A case of all’s well that ends well!
The impressive winner looks a classic contender on this showing and the partnership of Andre Fouche, Mayesh Chetty, Jarryd and Lawrence Wernars and Jaap van de Vendel look likely to enjoy much pleasure and success with their grey flyer.
Philanthropist on arrival in 2012 at Drakenstein Stud
Her sire Philanthropist, whose first SA crop are 3yo’s this term, was a top racer, registering six wins from only 18 starts from 1800 – 1900m at 3 and 4.
He produced two Champions in Pender Harbour (Millionaire Racehorse) and Phil’s Dream (2013 Male Champion Sprinter), from his 1st crop
She’s A Giver has only run three times for 2 wins and a second on debut. She has now banked R227 375.
The beautiful grey was bred by the home of fine wines and fast horses, Avontuur out of the lightly raced one-time winning Var mare, Valeta.
She’s A Giver was bought for R550 000 at the Cape Premier Yearling Sale Book 1.
Put this one in the black-book!
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Gr3 Starling Stakes (SAf-Gr3)
Turffontein, South Africa, November 5, R250k, 1400m, turf, good, 1.24.31
1 – SHE’S A GIVER (SAF), 60.0, gr f 3, Philanthropist (USA) – Valeta by Var (USA). Owner Messrs Andre Fouche, Mayesh Chetty, J F & L M F Wernars & Vendel Civils (Pty) Ltd; Breeder Avontuur Farm; trainer JJ v Vuuren; jockey G Lerena
2 – Maleficent (SAF), 60.0, b f 3, Judpot (USA) – Kite Runner (SAF) by Kabool (GB)
3 – Al Danza (SAF), 60.0, b f 3, Captain Al (SAF) – Jet Danza (SAF) by Jet Master (SAF)
Margins: 3.75, 0.20, 2.55
