On Top! Bouclette Top (S’manga Khumalo) powers home to beat the game Mr Mulliner (JC Photos)
Despite scratching down to just six runners, the R250 000 Gr3 Tony Ruffel Stakes run over the Turffontein inside track 1450m on Saturday produced an exciting finish with Alec Laird’sBouclette Top getting the better of recent maiden winner, Mr Mulliner.
The unforeseen can happen but it is very disappointing to have just six horses lining up for a well endowed Gr3 race that can serves as a useful pointer to the classics that lie ahead.
The size of the field however did not detract from what was a fascinating contest and a happy feature double for the Slack family after Athina had won the Three Troikas a half hour earlier.
The previously undefeated Chekilli jumped well and he led Mr Mulliner, Mercado and Hillbrow, with Bezanova and Bouclette Top relaxed at the back.
The enthusiastic Chekilli continued to lead as they turned for home as Mr Mullier snapped at his heels, with Mercado coming under pressure early.
At the 400m, Gary Alexander’s handsome chestnut Mr Mulliner swept into lead down inside as Bouclette Top found his full stride from some lengths back.
At the 200m either of the from two could win it, but Bouclette Top asserted himself like a good horse and put his head down.
Bouclette Top won by 0,35 lengths in a time of 87,90 secs.
The 16 to 1 shot Mr Mulliner ran second and this post maiden effort must have pleased the Alexanders no end. He did receive 4kgs from the third placed Chekilli, but was finishing the better.
Ckekilli was a further two lengths away in third and may be a better prospect over the sprint tracks.
Winning Jockey S’manga Khumalo said that after the field had reduced he felt confident from his good draw. He indicated that he had been bunched early but that his mount had settled and kicked well.
“He has got a big race in him,” he opined.
Trainer Alec Laird is having a wonderful season and suggested that Bouclette Top was a quality horse with plenty of heart.
“It is lovely to train horses like this for top owners like Mrs Mary Slack,” he said.
Laird said that he was satisfied with the third placed Chekilli’s effort: “ He just went a bit hard.”
Owner Mary Slack said that she was very pleased to have a ‘decent one for Alec’.
“A nice one at last. I am so pleased as I have given Alec a fair amount of rubbish at times in the past,” she laughed.
Bred in Argentina by Firmamento, Bouclette Top is a 3yo colt by the now 17yo son of Storm Cat, Giant’s Causeway, out of the four time winning Gr1 winning Honpur And Glory mare, Bouclette Glory.
He has now won 3 of his 6 starts with 2 places and stakes of R298 700 and will now be prepped for a tilt at the first two legs of the Sascoc Triple Crown.
