Rachel Venniker rounded off the Allied Steelrode Charity Mile feature programme at Turffontein on Saturday when she rode the handsome Poets Warrior for the Azzie training partnership to a pillar-to-post victory in the R225 000 Allied Steelrode Listed Java Stakes.
Jumping from the pole position gate, and with just 52kgs on his back in the 2400m feature, the 5yo Poets Warrior made it 4 wins from his last 5 starts and registered his maiden stakes success when his perpetual motion style and long stride broke the hearts of his opposition.
Messrs G W Mackintosh & Justus van Wyk race the Ambiance Stud-bred son of Durban July winner Wylie Hall (Redoute’s Choice).
The athletic chestnut Poets Warrior (18-10) was a popular winner, stretching well to beat the consistent Explosive Bond (25-2) by 3,25 lengths in a time of 150,80 secs for the 2400m.
Zeus (10-1) was just passed late by the Matchett filly, and stayed on for third, a half length in front of the quartet closer, Battleground (7-1).
The winner is out of the Rakeen mare, Lovely Jubbly, and has now won 5 races with 3 places from 11 starts for stakes of R377 125.