The fairer sex leg of the Kenilworth Sunday double feature looks to have a bit more depth than the boys race. Eight fillies line up to contest the R125 000 Listed Perfect Promise Sprint – and they have all at least won one race each.
The Merry Widow – makes up with heart and ability what she lacks for in size
Justin Snaith has a splendid strike-rate with his 2yo’s and he looks to once again hold a strong hand with his arch-rival in the juvenile ranks, Joey Ramsden.
Facile Listed East Cape Nursery winner The Merry Widow travelled to Port Elizabeth at the end of March and built smartly on her lightning 800m debut at the end of 2015, when she registered some black-type in style.
Like a typical Captain Al, she looks to have a bright future and won’t go down without a fight.
Interestingly Geoff Woodruff went to R350 000 to purchase her half-brother by Var at last week’s National Yearling Sale.
Snaith also saddles Nordic Breeze, who became the first 2yo to win in open company this season when beating older fillies to win over 1000m on debut.
The daughter of Windrush demonstrated a decent degree of ability and maturity after being slow away and producing a strong finish.
Joey Ramsden has a strong coupling headed by the Western Winter filly Miranda Frost, who, like The Merry Widow, goes for her third win on the trot.
She has won both her starts with a degree of authority and looks an exciting prospect.
Avontuur-bred debut winner Don’t Stop Dancing came home unfancied to win after being slow away and lagging her field for the majority of the race.
Bernard Fayd’herbe – rides The Merry Widow
Bernard Fayd’herbe was impressed by her but he rides The Merry Widow and we won’t know the motivation behind the choice – or otherwise.
The Darryl Hodgson –trained Chill Baby Chill has decent form but the Australian bred looks well held by Miranda Frost.
She was beaten a comfortable 1,50 lengths last time by the Ramsden runner and looks to have place prospects at best.
Glen Kotzen – Corker may deserve another chance
The Glen Kotzen trained Corker was rumoured to be a filly who could live up to her name and after a good debut, she went on to beat Rebel’s Burst readily next time out.
She was beaten 10 lengths by The Merry Widow in the East Cape Nursery at her third start and may not have travelled well.
She could be worth another chance although she has some ground to make up.
The Avontuur-bred Live Life won her second start after an excellent debut.
She beat Gypsy Beauty by 1,75 lengths and ran on well after showing good pace the whole way.
This beautifully bred filly can only improve further.
Felicity Flyer is the second of the Bass duo.
She was beaten on debut by The Merry Widow and is held by Miranda Frost on their last meeting.
The duel between the two hat-trick seekers The Merry Widow and Miranda Frost should be the highlight of the meeting.
The Avontuur duo of Live Life and Don’t Stop Dancing should be best of the rest.
