Snaith Star Heads SA Horse Of The Year Table

Captain’s Ransom displaced Rain in Holland at the top of the Horse of the Year Table after completing her fifth consecutive win of the season when victorious in the Gr1 South African Fillies Sprint at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday. She remains unbeaten so far this season.

Her exceptional versatility is evidenced by her position in the various category tables. Apart from topping the Horse of The Year Table, she also tops the Champion Older Female category, is fifth in the Champion Sprinter category, fourth in the Champion Miler category, and fifth in the Champion Middle Distance category.

Justin Snaith stands at the rail to receive Richard Fourie and Captain’s Ransom after a big Gr1 win on Saturday (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)

Rain in Holland, whose season has ended prematurely, remains in second position, while Safe Passage climbs to fifth position after his victory in the Daily News 2000 (Grade 1).

Kommetdieding and Pomp and Power remain in contention in joint third position, while MK’s Pride and Jet Dark make up the table in sixth and seventh position.

Much change can be expected over the final two months of the season with several super Grade 1’s set to take place. The Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge, the Hollywoodbets Durban July, and the Champions Cup are likely to decide who tops the table at season end.

Captain’s Ransom heads the table on 104 points, followed by Rain in Holland (86), Kommetdieding and Pomp and Power (both 84), Safe Passage (80), MK’s Pride (77) and Jet Dark (72).

•  Champion Three-Year-Old Colt

The premier Three-Year-Old race of the season, The Daily News 2000, saw Safe Passage win impressively after an extended break. Pomp and Power though, second in the race, still holds a slender lead in the category, while Aragosta, third in the race, makes up ground from fifth to third position. Master Archie, not seen during the month, moves to fourth position while Double Superlative, whose season is now over following an injury, slips to fifth position.

Pomp and Power tops the table with 84 points, followed by Safe Passage (80), Aragosta (52), Master Archie (48), and Double Superlative (46).

• Champion Three-Year-Old Filly

The Three-Year-Old filly category remains firmly in control of two fillies who have ended their seasons. Rain in Holland (86 points) remains on top followed by Chansonette (72). Big Burn (54) improved on the table after finishing fourth in the Grade 1 South African Fillies Sprint, while Under Your Spell (45) enters the log after her win in the Grade 2 World Sports Betting KZN Fillies Guineas. Consistent Sprinkles (42) completed her fifth points score when finishing third in the Woolavington 2000 and is in fifth position.

•  Champion Older Male and Female

There was no change to the Champion Older Male category with Kommetdieding still on top with 84 points, followed by MK’s Pride (77), Jet Dark (72), Astrix (68) and Bohica (40).

Captain’s Ransom took a firm grip of the Champion Older Female category after her win in the Grade 1 South African Fillies Sprint. She leads on 104 points. True To Life (26 points) enters the log for the first time in fourth position after her second to Captain’s Ransom in the same race. Sparkling Water (67), Princess Calla (52) and Bold Fortune (24) make up the table.

Corrie Lensley’s Alesian Chief heads the Champion Sprinter log (Pic- Chase Liebenberg)

• Distance Categories

Alesian Chief (45 points) vaulted to the top of the Champion Sprinter category after an easy win in the Grade 1 Golden Horse Sprint. He displaces Master Archie and Bohica (both on 40 points) at the top of the table. Big Burn (36) and Captain’s Ransom (32) make up the table in fourth and fifth positions, respectively.

There was no change to the Champion Miler category. MK’s Pride remains in the lead on 77 points followed by Jet Dark (48), Princess Calla (48), Captain’s Ransom (40) and Seeking the Stars (40).

Likewise, there was no change to the Champion Middle Distance table, with Astrix leading on 54 points followed by Kommetdieding (48), Sparkling Water (39), Flying Carpet (38) and Captain’s Ransom (32).

While Shango won the opening stayers race of the KZN winter season this was not enough to enter the Champion Stayers table. This remains unchanged from last month with Sparkling Water and Nebraas (both 20 points) on top, followed by Black Thorn (11), Doublemint (10) and the now-exported Holy Warrior (10).

• Champion Two-Year-Old Colt and Filly

With the first Grade 1 of the juvenile season Thunderstruck leads the colt’s category on 32 points after his comfortable win in the Gold Medallion. Now I Got You, Karangetang and Ocean Time (all on 16 points) are joint second, followed by Prophet on 12 points.

Sweet Pepper leads the filly’s category on 32 points after her narrow win in the Allan Robertson Fillies Championship. Glittering Girl, Maharanee and Miss Cool (all on 16 points) are joint second, followed by River Queraress on 12 points.

Note: Points log will determine one-third of the final award in each category, with an expert panel and a public vote each accounting for another third of the final vote. Only horses included in the final points log will be voted on by the expert panel and public

Equus Awards 2022 – Points Tables to 6 June 2022