The Varsfontein Stud-bred Gimmethgreenlight flyer Green Pepper continued her step up the ladder with a smooth first stakes success in the R150 000 Listed Gardenia Stakes at Turffontein on Saturday.
Randall Simons enjoys a big day as Green Pepper storms clear to beat Queen Laurie (Marco van Rensburg) and Crystal Glamour (Callan Murray) in the Gardenia Stakes (Pic – JC Photos)
The 1000m fillies and mares support feature to the Gr2 Victory Moon Stakes included some serious stakes performers in the eleven strong line-up. But the speedy Green Pepper made them look ordinary and maintained the sparkling run of the Johan Janse van Vuuren stable.
After her win in the WSB Sophomore 1000 on Grand Heritage day, when she had downed the well-bred Rivarine, a highly-rated and smart son of Var, in the final strides, Green Pepper came in full of confidence in a race that could well prove to be the turning point in her 3yo season.
Regular pilot Randall Simons had Green Pepper tracking the lightning quick Queen Laurie until the 250m marker.
When asked for an effort, the 14-10 Green Pepper lengthened her stride and powered her way to a good win by 2,25 lengths in a nippy 56,83 secs.
Johan Janse Van Vuuren – good form maintained
Marco van Rensburg got a big effort out of the 35-1 Queen Laurie, who held on by a quarter length to withstand a good late rattle from Crystal Glamour.
Joint topweighted Joan Ranger stayed on a length back for fourth, to hold off the Listed Ruffian Stakes winner Exquisite Touch, who was slightly disappointing.
Mike de Kock’s Perfumed Lady was never in it and ran stone last – she may have gone wrong in running.
The exciting Green Pepper has won 3 from 4 starts with 1 place and took her stakes earned to R428 125.
The Varsfontein Stud-bred winner is a daughter of Gimmethegreenlight out of the once winning Fort Wood mare, Pimento.
She was purchased for R300 000 off the 2015 BSA Val De Vie Yearling Sale.
