Via Africa on Sunday stroll to win Listed KZN Stakes for second year running
Winning Form sponsored trainer Duncan Howells used the R135 000 Listed Kwazulu Natal Stakes as a well paid grass gallop for Var’s star flyer Via Africa at Scottsville on Sunday.
The 2014 Gr1 Cape Flying Championship winner was never placed under any pressure and she had the 1000m race won 400m out as she glided away from her opposition.
Gearing her down at the line, jockey Kevin Shea earned a riding commission that made his ride on Athina in the SA Fillies Classic at Turffontein on Saturday look like a mission to Mars.
Via Africa, who started at a prohibitive 1 to 4, beat All Is Secret by 2,50 lengths in a time of 57,61 secs.
All Is Secret is rated only a half kilo inferior but had no chance with the winner on her return to action after a break of 37 weeks following a spider bite.
Kevin Shea had a good weekend
Via Africa won this race last year beating the talented Miss October (also a daughter of Var) and she went on to run second in the Gr1 Computaform Sprint a month later.
She looks likely to follow the same programme this year.
Trainer Duncan Howells said that Via Africa had come through the fitness test with flying colours and that he felt that the 1000m was too short for his maturing 4yo. He said it was pleasing to see the public behind her.
Owner Andre Hauptfleisch said that he was blessed to own the star filly. while winning jockey Kevin Sea said that he thought that she would have won a ‘bit easier.’
“It is interesting that these days she races with horses instead of blitzing ahead and goes on with it. I concur with Duncan on his feelings that she may prefer 1200m now,” he said.
Via Africa was bred by her part owner Andre Hauptfleisch and is by Avontuur’s super sire Var who had a terrific weekend again.
She is out of the thrice winning Qui Danzig mare, Bump ‘N Grind.
Via Africa has now won 9 races with 5 places from 14 starts.
She took her career stake earnings to R1 856 125.
Avontuur have a half sister to Via Africa by Elusive Fort on the National Yearling Sale next month.
Check out Elusivenchantment (lot 198).
