Grant van Niekerk has time to clear his throat as Merysagos coasts in (Pic – Pauline Herman Photography)
Justin Snaith provided the Drakenstein Stud team with a welcome fillip in advance of the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate Festival Of Racing this weekend when the Captain Al filly Merysagos swept to an impressive win in the R150 000 Listed Lady’s Bracelet at Fairview on Wednesday.
Grant van Niekerk – more than covered his air ticket from Cape Town
Grant van Niekerk rode all three Snaith winners at the midweek meeting, with Chris Snaith driving the float up the Garden Route and supervising proceedings – at the same time paying compliments to the Fairview management for the hospitality.
Van Niekerk had the Drakenstein Stud owned and bred Merysagos well off the pace set by Cloud Atlas and Excellent. At the 350m marker locals Star Burst Galaxy and Beataboutthebush moved forward dangerously, but were cut down in a matter of strides by the rampant maiden stakes winner, who went on to score by 1,50 lengths in a time of 95,19 secs
The 3yo is a daughter of Captain Al (Al Mufti) out of the well-related Candy Singer (Singspiel) – a half sister to champion miler, Candy Ride.
Merysagos has won 2 races with 6 places from 9 starts and stakes of R221 225.
