Trainer Sean Tarry and jockey S’manga Khumalo were unstoppable at Turffontein on Saturday and the powerful combination sealed the juvenile double feature when the Var filly Exquisite Touch ran out an easy winner in the R150 000 Listed Ruffian Stakes.
S’manga Khumalo and Exquisite Touuch make it look easy (Pic – JC Photos)
Only seven runners lined up in the fillies’ feature and after Hamunaptra ruined her chances at the start, Exquisite Touch won rather more easily than the 1,30 lengths winning margin suuggested.
The speed was on from the jump with Fursa showing plenty of toe but the winner was always going well and she moved through them like a professional to hold off the attentions of Seattle Singer.
Interestingly, the winner’s time of 56,36 secs was faster than the mostly males’ equivalent.
Corne Spies trained Seattle Singer ran a very forward race to secure second – she won’t be in the maiden ranks for too long.
Scottsville 800m debut winner Intriguing Lady appeared slightly outpaced early on, but she found her stride late in the race and ran on well a further 2,109 lengths back to shade Star Burst Galaxy.
Fursa faded out after showing toe.
S’manga Khumalo – great day with 6 winners
S’manga Khuumalo confirmed after the race that the winner, who started a hot order at 5-10, was very smart and that she had ‘plenty in the tank’.
Trainer Sean Tarry said that Exquisite Touch was the standout at the sale – ‘we were very lucky to get her at the price’, he quipped.
Tarry has an awesome line-up of youngsters and looks difficult to stop as he heads for another SA champion trainer title.
The Waterford Stud bred Exquisite Touch is a daughter of Var out of the four-time winning Elliodor mare, Lavendar Sky.
She is a R350 000 2015 Emperors Palace Select Yearling Sale graduate and took her tally to two from two with her stakes now on R156 250.
Follow this flyer till beaten.
