David Thiselton
The racing world especially in the Southern African juridictions is reeling in shock after the tragic passing of twice South African champion apprentice Nooresh Juglall after a horrific racing accident on Saturday in his home country of Mauritius and any news of racing success on that day is tinged with sadness.
However, it must be recorded that Paul Peter and Warren Kennedy combined to win the Listed Syringa Handicap over 1600m at Turffontein Inside with the ever improving Var filly Way Of The World while earlier the promising Johan Janse van Vuuren-trained Puerto Manzano marched on with another eyecatching victory.
Way Of The World led in her previous start over 1450m and fought off the challengers to win cosily in the end so it seemed she would have a chance of staying the 1600m trip but her wide draw was a concern.
However, in the end none of the inside drawn horses wanted the lead so Kennedy was able to get to the front without using up any extra fuel.
She then dictated although the favourite Wylie Wench was sitting behind her ready to pounce.
However, Way Of The World kept on rolling gallantly in the straight and always had the measure of Wylie Wench.
The latter did make late inroads to be beaten just a length in her first run since breaking the Vaal Classic track course record when winning the Grade 3 Acacia Handicap on February 27.
She received a seven point raise for that win but that was not enough to explain the close proximity of the Syringa Handicap’s third-placed Querari Ferrari, whom she had beaten by eight lengths in the Acacia. So Wylie Wench should come on a lot from Saturday’s run.
Way Of The World started this season a one-time winner merit rated 71 and is now a seven-time winner and due another raise from the 93 rating she ran off yesterday.
Earlier Puerto Manzano showed off his big stride in the straight after coming from a handy position to win a Pinnacle Stakes event over 1800m under Gavin Lerena. Johan Janse van Vuuren said post-race that he was in two minds whether to run the gelding in the Daily News 2000, but it was unlikely. The Argentinian-bred by the Group 1 Hollywood Derby-winning sire Seek Again (Speightstown) has raced seven times for five wins and two seconds and strikes as one who will stay further although the Hollywood Derby is only over nine furlongs and he is a half-brother to a Grade 1 winner over a mile.
