Sarasota gallops clear to win well as Margot On Stage hangs on for second (JC Photos)
There was something very smooth about the workmanlike victory of the Lucky Houdalakis-trained Kahal filly Sarasota in the R125 000 Sandy Beach Stakes run over 12oom at the Vaal on Saturday.
Running in the familiar Hammies Football Club strip of Cape owner Bryn Ressell in partnership with her trainer, and having only her third start on the surface, she produced a performance that spoke volumes of her versatility and progressive profile.
With the fancied Flame Cat and lightly weighted Margot On Stage showing the way and setting good fractions out front, Piere Strydom was able to settle Sarasota from her 8 draw and allowed her to relax.
And Strydom was at his professionally composed best as he bided his time in the shadows and then gave Sarasota her head at the 200m marker.
The daughter of Kahal went on powerfully to win by 1,50 lengths in a time of 73,88 secs.
She started at a generous 6 to 1.
Margot On Stage was always in the firing line and hung on well for second ahead of the tote favourite, Flame Cat.
A R75 000 National 2yo Sale purchase, the winner was bred by the Clarkins and is by Kahal out of the Aristis mare, Downtown Street, who never won a race.
Sarasota is a winner of 4 of her 13 starts with 3 places and R331 250 in stakes.
Three of her wins have been on the turf and she looks very at ease on the sand.
Strydom continued his excellent start to the season with a double on the day to make him the most successful rider.
