Hollywoodbets-sponsored trainer Stuart Pettigrew grabbed a quick feature double on Betway Summer Cup day when the 2021 Senor Santa Stakes winner Vars Vicky found his best form to win the R250 000 Gr3 Merchants for Mauritius-based owner Vicky Veeramootoo.
With Mike de Kock’s top notch Dynasty filly Desert Miracle outpaced early and failing to produce her customary kick, it was Randall Simons who pinged the gates on Vars Vicky and had the speedy son of VAR galloping strongly to stay on well ahead of KZN visitor Tread Swiftly in something of a Bipot blowout.
Randall Simons and Vars Vicky cause the upset in the Merchants (Pic – JC Photos)
The 33-1 Vars Vicky clocked 66,61 secs for the 1160m and held the 66-1 Tread Swiftly to a length, with Desert Miracle (2-1) hanging on for third to save many Place Accumulator players.
There were only just under 31000 Pick 6 combinations left after this second leg.
The Gary Player Stud-bred Vars Vicky cost R150 000 at the 2019 Cape Premier Yearling Sale.
A son of the late speed sire VAR (Forest Wildcat), he is out of the twice winning Captain Al daughter, Seminole.
A winner of 7 races with 8 places from 21 starts for stakes of R650 625, Vars Vicky can be followed now that he is back to best.
Watch the replay here:
