The shortest-priced winner of the season, Jackson daughter Can You Feel It bounded home in facile fashion at Greyville on Sunday to give young trainer Gareth van Zyl and owner Michael Leaf an exciting ticket into the R2,5 million Ready To Run Stakes to be contested over 1400m at Kenilworth on 24 November.
Easy! Warren Kennedy poses as Can You Feel It breezes in (Pic – Candiese Marnewick/Gold Circle)
Not that Can You Feel It hadn’t already established her claims.
In third position behind the deadlocked Cirillo and Agent Of Fortune on the recent logs published by Cape Thoroughbred Sales, Can You Feel It is the top-rated female contender for the rich race on Cape Merchants and Concord Cup day – despite being a maiden before racing commenced on Sunday.
With two top-class third places to her credit in the Gr2 Golden Slipper (won by Celtic Sea) and the Gr1 Thekwini Stakes (won by Return Flight), Can You Feel It looked a cut above her opposition on Sunday in the looks department and on paper, and duly won by 5,75 lengths without raising a sweat.
Gareth van Zyl – great job with progressive filly
She went through the ring at the Cape Ready To Run Sale and was bought back for R180 000. The smart winner is out of the Windrush mare Wonder Glow, who produced 2016 Emperors Palace Ready To Run Cup winner Chili Con Carne (Just As Well) and good multiple winner Esporatore (Eightfold Path).
Jockey Warren Kennedy said afterwards that the public pressure of the restricted betting odds came with pressure.
“Look, she still had to win and come home safe and sound. She did both impressively. She is a real professional. Well done to Gareth van Zyl and owner and breeder Michael Leaf,” said the top-class jockey who is enjoying his best season ever.
Ridgemont Highlands triple Gr1 winning stallion Jackson has made a great start to his stud career and Can You Feel It’s success has taken the treble Gr1 winner’s first crop winning tally into double figures with the big season up North and the Cape Summer features still to come.
Jackson stands for a fee of R15 000 this season.
