A brave pace switch-on of some proportions almost paid dividends for S’manga Khumalo in the Fairview feature on Friday.
The R100 000 Wedgewood Handicap was the first of a quartet of non black-type races on the national programme for the weekend.
Scarlet Berry finishes best under Luyola Mxothwa (Pic – Coastal Photos)
Finding himself stone last in a small field of nine crawling from the 2400m, Khumalo took Preoccupation right round her field at the 1700m marker and went off to lead with plenty of enthusiasm as she stretched the opposition.
The effort to make the race a true-run affair looked to have some hope of succeeding but came undone halfway down the straight as Preoccupation buckled under pressure.
With the Snaith runner Nima staying on smartly, the race was open till late but it was Luyola Mxothwa who found the right gears on the Grant Paddock runner, Scarlet Berry.
The 6yo mare stayed on best of all to win by 2 lengths in a time of 156,61 secs.
The 33-10 second favourite Nima ran on gamely for second, but had no chance with the topweighted winner.
The gallant long-time leader Preoccupation only tired late to run third and keep the favourite Withbatedbreath out of the PA qualifiers.
The winner started her career with Mike Azzie in Joburg and transferred to Gavin Smith in PE while still in the Adriaan and Rika van Vuuren orange and black.
She now races in the Godi white and red and this was a commendable plan come together for the yard.
Scarlet Berry was bred by Mauritzfontein and is a daughter of that outstanding champion Horse Chestnut out of the twice winning Western Winter mare, Carmine Red.
She has won 5 races from 23 starts with 8 places for stakes of R340 825.
