Trainer Paul Peter was the big buyer at Friday’s Cape Yearling Sale and he now faces another major assignment this weekend.
He saddles the unbeaten Summer Pudding in the R1 million Wilgerbosdrift Gr1 SA Fillies Classic and, while she probably looks the best bet in years to wear the SA Triple Tiara, some stiff competition will keep her honest. And she could be the Pick 6 banker on the afternoon.
The beautifully bred and well-related Summer Pudding has won her first four starts with authority and overcame what her trainer labelled was the ‘most difficult’ leg of the SA Triple Tiara for her last time. Now stepping up to what should be a more favourable trip, she stands out as the one to beat – but had the Oratorio filly Rio’s Winter stalking her in the Guineas.
Summer Pudding and Rio’s Winter – return match on Saturday (Pic – JC Photos)
Beaten just a quarter length there, Rio’s Winter has the more favourable draw and Piere Strydom will be keen to set the record straight.
Corne Spies’ Listed Devon Air Stakes winner What You Are looks to be in the deep end as she tries ground – she is a daughter of champion sprinter Captain Of All – after plenty of travelling in her 3yo career. She caught the eye when staying on behind Benji over 1100m at the Vaal in her first run back home.
The 2019 Emperors Palace Ready To Run Cup runner-up Gaian Glory gets the services of Cape heavyweight Bernard Fad’herbe and was outgunned when 8 lengths behind Ikigai in the Tony Ruffel Stakes last time. Back against her own sex, she surely has place cheque prospects if she stays.
Mill Queen – good run after a rest last time (Pic – JC Photos)
Starling Stakes winner Mill Queen returned from a break to run under a length fourth behind Summer Pudding in the Gauteng Fillies Guineas. That was a cracking effort and if the daughter of Querari can get some luck from her draw, she must go into the quartet mix.
A smart third in the Fillies Mile when beaten just over a half length by Summer Pudding, Marygold may have found things a bit hot in the Fillies Guineas when running just out of the money. With a nice draw in her favour, she could be one for the bigger perms if ridden with restraint.
Keep Smiling is bound to prefer the extra here after failing to make any impact in the Guineas last time. Her form over more ground, and her eyecatching second to Summer Pudding in the Fillies Mile, suggest she could be the surprise package – but she has a wide draw to beat.
Dancing Feather travels from Summerveld and is the only raider in the race. The daughter of Duke Of Marmalade has shown some above average ability and could be the quartet kicker. Her regular pilot Warren Kennedy rides the favourite, so he may have her tactical measure.
Kayla’s Champ is solidly held by Summer Pudding on her last two starts and may have an outside place chance at best.
Snow Palace looks well held on her recent form and cannot be fancied.
Virtuosa ran a forward race in the first leg of the SA Triple Tiara when only fading out late to be beaten just under 4 lengths by Summer Pudding. She was in the mix till very late and she may prove more effective being ridden with some restraint.
Poorly drawn, Magic School was beaten over 5 lengths in the Gauteng Fillies Guineas after failing to show from a slow start. She now goes a further 200m and there must be some doubt that she will cope with it.
Second of the Laird duo, Flying High was comprehensively beaten in the Gauteng Fillies Guineas last time and looks well held by the top trio here.
A one-time winner and the third of the Alexander trio, Just Kidding looks to be outgunned on what she has shown so far. That said, she could up her game over the extra.
Crying out for more ground and with a classic look about her, Summer Pudding should set up a Triple Tiara date with a big run here. She looks tough to beat.
