Pine Princess (outside) runs a cracking third in the Gr1 Golden Slipper
The Turffontein night meeting season kicks off this evening with a double feature header and bumper fields. Mike De Kock used the Gr3 Yellowwood Handicap as the launching pad for an extraordinary Summer Cup victory in 2010 for a top-class Silvano filly called Flirtation. Can the master do it again?
De Kock won’t be pleased that he hasn’t been on the Yellowwood board since.
Mike Azzie (Queen’s Bay, 2011), Paul Peter (Enchanted Kingdom, 2012) and Gary Alexander (Classic Illusion, 2013) have been the trophy-holders in the ensuing years, but De Kock has an intriguing coupling carrying the flag this time and it would not be surprising to see him walk away with the laurels.
Boogie Nights
Flirtation was a 4yo when she pulled off the unique double and his 4yo Oasis Dream filly Square Dance tops our ratings.
The UK bred filly was rested after a no show behind In The Fast Lane in the Woolavington 2000 and stretched her legs in a pipe-opener just under two weeks back over the Turffontein mile.
She showed excellent early ability, but jockey choice may point to her younger stablemate, Pine Princess as the stable elect.
The Princess
Anthony Delpech rides Pine Princess
The classy daughter of Captain Al will be ridden by Anthony Delpech and makes her 3yo season debut after an excellent opening stint when winning 3 of 6 as a 2yo.
Her third placing to Bilateral in the Gr1 Golden Slipper was followed by an unplaced run in the Gr1 Thekwini Stakes on Super Saturday.
While she appeared to have every chance, she was running on when under four lengths behind the smart Same Jurisdiction and over the extra 200m here, she looks a serious proposition.
Pine Princess is after all out of a Badger Land mare who won up to 2000m and we were told early on to watch her over further.
But will she be fit after a 13 week break?
Sunset Challenge
If not then she may have to play second fiddle to the likes of shock Gr3 Joburg Spring F&M Challlenge winner Supreme Sunset, who strips ready after her stunning win over Athina, three weeks ago.
The slightly built daughter of Western Winter has been nailed 7 points by the handicapper following that dramatic victory and also jumps from a less than desirable 18 draw.
It is interesting that Bernard Fayd’herbe makes the trip though, and it would be foolhardy to discount her chances.
Title Defence
Last year’s winner Classic Illusion seems out of form
Last year’s winner Classic Illusion is back for more. She did not show at her season debut when 3,25 lengths off Supreme Sunset. She has not earned since a tactical raid into Greyville way back in January and will need to show more.
On the flipside, there is really nothing wrong with the recent form shown by Ormond Ferraris’ course and distance winning Fort Wood mare, Erin, in recent starts.
She took some time to find her feet but has matured beautifully and as a winner of 4 of her last 7 starts, has only her 17 draw to beat to come into the reckoning for the money.
Van Zyl Duo
Vino Veritas may be the better of the Gavin Van Zyl coupling, although her stablemate Mohave Princess will relish the stamina test after being unsighted in the Joburg Spring F&M Challenge.
Vino Veritas has her first run in Gauteng after an impressive handicap win over Amber Orchid at Scottsville at the end of last season. She won that race by 4,75 lengths and while 2kgs worse off, may be equal to the test.
Woody’s Trio
Geoff Woodruff’s trio of Touch The Sky, Zephira and Sisters of Mercy are worth a second look.
Touch The Sky had a leg-stretch in the Joburg Spring Challenge and will enjoy this trip, although topweight deters slightly.
On her best KZN Champions Season form, she is certainly a serious factor.
Zephira may need it as she returns from a 19 week rest and could need further to show her best ability.
Sisters Of Mercy stayed on nicely for fourth behind Yer-Maan last time and finished ahead of Rodeo Sioux.
Stayer
Rodeo Sioux may lack the toe
Joey Soma’s Rodeo Sioux is a hardworking lady, who produced her first flat effort in ages when running out of the money behind Yer-Maan over the Turffontein 2200m last time out.
She is a genuine staying sort who may lack pace at the age of 5 to go with some of the younger, more progressive sorts.
The Listed Java Handicap to be run over 2450m is the evening’s support feature.
