The iconic Dynasty has been a major player on Cape Derby day for years and the late champion son of Fort Wood opened his feature account in style when his progressive daughter Saartjie powered home to win the R250 000 Schweppes Listed Cape Oaks at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
It was a courageous victory given the tardy early fractions, with the Shadwell Stud bred galloper always in the firing line first time in her blinkers, the move to fit the equipment proving a masterstrike by Plattner Racing trainer Andre Nel.
Grant van Niekerk has Saartjie in control as Keagan de Melo and Hold My Hand chase hard (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
Pushed through down the inside by Grant van Niekerk, Saartjie (25-2) quickly mastered the dangerous looking Gold Poker Game, and went away to beat the fast finishing Hold My Hand (28-10) by a length in a time of 125,84 secs.
Dennis Drier saddled Broadway Girl (16-1) for third.
Jockey van Niekerk said that he felt that Saartjie would have won on the bridle, had the pace been on.
A R700 000 National Yearling Sale purchase, Saartjie is out of the twice-winning Redoute’s Choice mare Shaama, who raced under the Mike de Kock flag.
Saartjie, who showed enough speed to go close over 1200m, has won 3 races with 3 places from 6 starts for stakes of R325 663.
She looks set to travel to KZN for the SA Champions Season.
Watch the replay:
