The only feature event on the local racing programme this weekend, the R175 000 Gr3 Fillies Mile is run today on the Turffontein standside track at weight-for-age plus penalties for graded race victories.
Mike de Kock and longstanding owner Mary Slack are enjoying a purple patch and bid for their third consecutive Gauteng feature victory after the sensational Desert Miracle beat the boys in the Graham Beck Stakes a fortnight ago.
Last weekend Sparkling Water won a thrilling finish to the Victory Moon Stakes in the famous black and scarlet silks and on Saturday the Flower Alley filly Clafoutis – named after a fruity dessert popular in France – can register a personal hat-trick when she takes on eight opponents. Interestingly, another tasty treat in champion Summer Pudding was victorious in this event in 2019.
Progressive Clafoutis can lift her game again (Pic- JC Photos)
Mike de Kock has been very positive in his earlier feedback about Clafoutis, who has her fifth start on Saturday. The master trainer has suggested that Clafoutis is expected to come into her own over the classic trips and she’s progressive in her work – ‘so she’s definitely one for the notebook’.
The full-sister to Justin Snaith’s Listed winning stayer Bayberry is a daughter of Danehill Dancer daughter Berry Blaze, who was talented, though a bit disappointing on the racetrack.
But her progeny is doing her proud, and Clafoutis can carry the Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritfontein flag in a race where they bred 5 of the 9 runners.
Sean Tarry previously won this race in 2016 with Smiling Blue Eyes who was ridden by Grant van Niekerk, and the former champion conditioner saddles Querari daughter Marigold Hotel who caught the eye when second in the Gr3 Starling Stakes last time.
She raced up with the gallop there and gunned smartly late to go down to KZN raider One Night In Paris. She has a slightly awkward draw to beat but is fit and well and looks the one to beat on the official ratings.
Follow Me finished 2,25 lengths behind Marigold Hotel last time. The pair meet on the same weight terms today and she may have to settle for the same result. She won her only attempt over this track and trip and should strip much fitter.
| Weather | Partly Cloudy, 40% Chance of Thundershowers, 17-30Degs, 13-20k/h Northerly Cross Wind | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rainfall | Last 24 Hours: Nil | Last 7 Days: 33mm | |
| Irrigation | Last 24 Hours: Nil | Last 7 Days: Nil | |
| Penetrometer Reading | 20 | ||
| Track Condition | Good | ||
| False Rail | 3m on the back straight to 6m on the bend with a 6m spur at the 700m mark. | ||
Barend Botes and Yolande Vosloo came within a heartbeat of winning the Victory Moon Stakes with Gold Pheasant last Saturday and hat-trick seeking Eternity Ring could lift their spirits.
The tongue-tie seems to have worked for the daughter of Ideal World and Muzi Yeni will be keen to get one back here.
