An intuitive ride by Bryanston Auctioneers-sponsored JP van der Merwe produced the magic for the Snaith team and some more despair for favourite backers at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday, when the 33-1 Baltic Secret grabbed first run on the favourite October Morn to win the R200 000 Listed Laisserfaire Stakes.
After Princess Calla’s unlikely narrow defeat a half hour earlier, the highly regarded and fancied October Morn had to chase hard as JP van der Merwe grabbed the initiative and drove Baltic Secret forward to hold a 0,30 length advantage.
JP van der Merwe keeps Baltic Secret at her task to beat October Morn (Aldo Domeyer) in a thrilling finish (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
October Morn, who changed ownership this past week, was given a chance early, but had a minor traffic issue and just could not make up the ground on the sharp JP and his longshot, who had tracked the speedy pacesetter Candy Town all the way around.
Clocking 57,30 secs for the 1000m, the lightly weighted Baltic Secret registered her maiden stakes success and showed enough promise as a 2yo to go on from here.
A Maine Chance bred and raced daughter of Querari (Oasis Dream), the winner is out of the Captain Al two-time winner, Best Kept Secret.
A winner of 2 races with 2 places from 5 starts, Baltic Secret took her earnings to R221 625.
Enjoy the replay:
