The 2018 SA Triple Tiara dream took on a new dimension at Turffontein on Saturday with the Visionaire filly Takingthepeace producing a herculean effort from last to grab honours in the final stride of the R1 million Wilgerbosdrift Gr1 SA Fillies Classic.
Takingthepeace flies up under Callan Murray to nab Green Top (Muzi Yeni) in a thriller
The emergence from relative obscurity of the R280 000 sales graduate, raced by three of the youngest owners in the game, from two-time winner to Triple Tiara princess-in-waiting is the stuff of marketing dreams.
Throw in the role of the 21 year old jockey who has shown an ice cool bmt and the result is a real-life success story that we should be shouting from the rooftops. This is what horseracing is all about!
The glamour and romance is spiced further by Takingthepeace having had to overcome the odds and obstacles of a wide draw and a step up in trip to the 1800m.
Callan Murray (photo: JC Photos)
But she handled all-comers in her stride as she surged up the outside of the long Turffontein standside track to grab victory in the final stride from the gallant Green Top and set up a possible date with history on 7 May.
Takingthepeace registered her 5th win from 8 starts and stakes of R1 425 125 by a short head in a time of 111,42 secs.
Muzi Yeni’s dream Gr1 double was real as he got Green Top into a winning position, but that was shattered in a flash.
On his way back to the winner’s enclosure after the pull-up, Callan Murray prayed for protection for his ribs after memories flooded back of the Gauteng Guineas winner’s circle elation where he was lifted and squeezed as if he had just scored a World Cup final winning goal by enthusiastic owners Murray Makepeace, Michael Shea and Matt de Kock.
The joy this time appeared to have doubled!
Flashback to the Guineas
Takingthepeace was purchased for R280 000 off the CTS Johannesburg Ready To Run Sale by Form Bloodstock.
Bred by Summerhill Stud, the winner, named Sagano at sale, is a daughter of Visionaire (Grand Slam) out of the three-time winner, Lisa Anne (Rambo Dancer).
Now the million dollar question. Will she stay the 2450m of the Oaks in three week’s time?
Her racing style is in her favour. Her dam won up to 1450m. Her dam sire produced stakes winners up 2850m.
That’s something to look forward to! Never mind the R1 million bonus and a page in SA racing history.
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Gr1 SA Fillies Classic (SAf-Gr1)
Turffontein, South Africa, April 7, R1 million, 1800m, turf, good, 1.51.42
1 – TAKINGTHEPEACE (SAF), 60.0, b f 3, Visionaire (USA) – Lisa Anne (SAF) by Rambo Dancer (USA). Owner Messrs M Makepeace, M F de Kock & M C Shea; Breeder Summerhill Stud; trainer MF de Kock; jockey C Murray
2 – Green Top (SAF), 60.0, b f 3, Gimmethegreenlight (AUS) – Caughtintheslips (SAF) by Caesour (USA)
3 – Secret Potion (SAF), 60.0, b f 3, Elusive Fort (SAF) – Lemon Drop Girl (SAF) by Parade Leader (USA)
Margins: 0.05, 1.10, 0.40
