While it hasn’t enjoyed the hype of the likes of the opposite sex Triple Crown bids by Pocket Power, Winter Solstice and African Night Sky, the attempt by Paul Reeves’ lionhearted Ideal World filly Helen’s Ideal to secure the Cape Winter Triple Tiara should be a highlight today.
A bonus of R150 000 is up for grabs for the filly that can win the 1400m Sweet Chestnut Stakes which was run on 27 April, the 1600m Stormsvlei Mile on 25 May, and then today’s supreme test of endurance over the 2200m.
Helen’s Ideal – consistent and talented (Pic – Chase Liebenberg Photography)
And there won’t be a more deserving winner than the Peter de Beyer bred galloper, who won the first two legs with authority.
False rail: Original Position; 3m spur @ 470m mark
While Helen’s Ideal hasn’t tried the 2200m of the Oaks yet, her smart close-up showing in the Cape Derby in January suggests she could well be effective over further – and that thought is backed up by her really gutsy showing from a wide barrier gate in the Sweet Chestnut Stakes. There she was used liberally and stayed on well.
Another daughter of Ideal World, Coral Bay also tries the 2200m for the first time and one would think she’d get the trip on paper. The Glen Kotzen charge has not quite recaptured the form of her 2yo season but could find her way into the placings at best.
Coral Bay – needs to recapture earlier form (Pic – Chase Liebenberg Photography)
Star Fighter was placed in both of the first two legs of the series and ran on really well in the Stormsvlei Mile when going down under half a length. Her dam won up to 2200m and the daughter of Argonaut can maintain her consistent formline.
Duchess Of Bourbon was third in that race a further 1,25 lengths back in third. Everything on her page suggests she can only improve over this trip.
Justin Snaith – saddles Fortune Flies
Justin Snaith’s Dynasty filly Fortune Flies improved nicely to win a low key handicap over the Kenilworth 1700m. She beat Heaven’s Embrace by 1,75 lengths there and meets the Jackson filly from the Crawford yard on a half kilo worse off.
Her stablemate Wallis Simpson races in the same silks and we have seen how the Duke Of Marmalade progeny mature over a trip. She has maintained consistent form and must improve.
Another daughter of Duke Of Marmalade, Je Ne Sais Quoi took seven runs to win her maiden and then failed to fire at her post maiden outing.
Her stablemate Mary Moon is still a maiden but is out of that hardknocking stayer Mary Hinge, who also raced out of the Kotzen yard.
Helen’s Ideal is a confident choice to go out and secure the winter crown. Star Fighter and Heaven’s Embrace could be next best.
