A brand new chapter opened for horseracing in the Cape under glorious summer skies on Sunday as the R200 000 The Futurity Plate kicked off the return to action at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.
Increased stakes and a revitalized and well-thought-out programme has changed the landscape for 2yo racing in the Cape and the first juvenile scurry of the season produced an exciting finish, with its share of drama.
The Glen Kotzen-trained Sweetie Darling swept past the 28-10 favourite Sahara Cat to win well under Philasande Mxoli for Itssa It & Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd.
The fancied Sahara Cat showed a lot of early pace and she went on strongly, but had no answer to the strong late effort from the Glen Kotzen-trained Sweetie Darling.
Kola Tonic ran an eye-catching race in third, while Lion Rampart stumbled in the shadow of the post but managed to hold on for fourth.
Glen Kotzen-trained Sweetie Darling (Philasande Mxoli) charges home (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
There was no luck for the connections of Wizz as jockey Devan Ashby was unseated as the gates opened.
The winner is a R150 000 Cape Yearling Sale purchase. A daughter of Royal Mo (Uncle Mo) she was bred by Patricia Devine Investments (Pty) Ltd and is out of two-time winning Captain Al mare, Captain’s Darling.
Sweetie Darling has R118 750 stakes in the bank and looks a filly to follow and races in the same silks as WSB Cape Fillies Guineas prospect, Rascova. Eugene and Sandy Arundel will be thrilled!
