WSB Cape Fillies Guineas at Kenilworth yesterday. Picture Chase Liebenberg
Mark van Deventer
CAPTAIN’S RANSOM justified market support as 5/2 favourite in the WSB Cape Fillies Guineas (Grade 1) romping to victory over Princess Calla with Chat Ching clunking up for the trifecta spot in the 1600m contest staged at Kenilworth on a firm surface. The daughter of Captain Al looked much the best on her stirring juvenile and early three year- old form – this was one of those cases where the racing script is followed perfectly.
In a race run at only a steady tempo early on, she was ideally positioned in a stalking role before quickening up under the hands to win convincingly. Jockey Richard Fourie described her afterwards as a “star, an exceptional horse,” whilst conditioner Justin Snaith said the freakish filly confounded him in the build up as she put on weight despite a tough training regime.
Her next assignment, still to be determined, is awaited with great anticipation. Snaith intimated that a dramatic showdown with unbeaten older filly, Summer Pudding is a distinct possibility as the Cape season unfolds.
The same trainer/jockey combo were on the mark when 2020 Durban July victor Belgarion made a victorious comeback in the prestigious, 1600m Green Point Stakes (G2) coming from the back of the field with a sustained rally to deny Rainbow Bridge and front runner, Cirillo. The son of Dynasty may have a placid temperament when in training but knows how to crank it up when competing on race-day. Gelding has been the making of this horse who has now won six on the bounce since the procedure.
Richard Fourie guided the long striding thoroughbred through a closing sectional of 35.5 seconds in a true run contest. Justin Snaith declared, “It’s unbelievable to win the Green Point first up after the July.” Indeed, Belgarion is a perfect five from five running fresh after a break but only a top horse can win at such a high -class level on resumption.
Champion mare Celtic Sea was also super-impressive in the Southern Cross Stakes (G2) as she out-finished odds-on rival Run Fox Run in a time significantly quicker than that recorded by up- and- coming speedball, Rio Querari in the preceding Pinnacle Stakes over 1000m.
Celtic Sea, who trainer Sean Tarry declared, “is a different filly in the Cape” has compiled a formidable record over extended sprints up to a mile all around the country. However, sceptics thought she might be vulnerable first try over 1000m on a fast track. The 33/10 second fave disproved doubters with an emphatic score – this brilliant daughter of Captain Al was recording her 11th win from 25 starts and is still performing at the peak of her considerable powers.
11/2 middle pin, Crome Yellow came from dead last to win the Cape Summer Stayers (G3) over 2500m Trainer Andre Nel paid tribute to his giant 560kg charge who has recovered from a tendon injury sustained early in his career to establish himself as one of the best endurance runners around, able to lug heavy weights and still finish with determination. Lightly weighted, Retro Effect kept on from off the pace to snare Azores for the second slot.
