Act Of War shows his superiority with facile win in Cape feature (Bay Media)
Highlands stallion Dynasty continued his terrific run of feature success when his smart son Act Of War won the R125 000 Listed Winter Juvenile Stakes. Joey Ramsden’s charge probably also inscribed his name on the Cape Juvenile Male champion trophy at the same time and he looks to have a terrific 3yo season ahead of him.
The saga of the poor patronage by the Cape trainers has been well aired without any public reaction or suggestions having been forthcoming and it was pleasing to see the one man that has committed to keep the local winter programme going, at least winning the race.
Ramsden in fact had four of the five runners that lined up and he would not have been thrilled to see the lesser fancied Captain’s Orders break through just prior to the initial jump.
The field went into the turn with Momentous leading Shimmering Leaves with Catkin and Act Of War further back.
The filly Shimmering Leaves made an early dash for home but the race was over in a matter of strides as Grant Van Niekerk sent Act Of War ahead and he drew clear to win by a length in a time of 102,52 secs.
Act Of War was geared down by Grant Van Niekerk and this flattered the Horse Chestnut colt Catkin, who stayed on for second with Captain’s Orders running into third.
Eric Sands’ Shimering Leaves was five lengths away in fourth, with the pacesetting Momentous 19,25 lengths away in last.
Act Of War was bred by Arc En Ciel Stud and is by Dynasty out of the four time winning Cordoba mare, Si Senorita.
Act Of War was a R550 000 Cape Premier Yearling Sale Book 1 buy and has now won 3 of 4 starts with 1 place for stakes of R256 750.
Jockey Grant Van Niekerk had a superb afternoon in the saddle, riding six winners.
