The Justin Snaith-trained daughter of Captain Al had her first race as a five-year-old mare over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth today and thrilled the onlookers as she stamped her class.
She was admittedly well treated at the weights according to official merit ratings and she has a phenomenal record running fresh, but it was still a sight to behold her superb acceleration in the short straight of the winter course.
Richard Fourie had her in midfield one out in the eight horse field and wasn’t concerned about the gap that opened up between her and the front three, who were led by Captain Of Stealth.
By the time they had reached the false rail in the straight her big, flowing stride had already taken her on to the heels of this vanguard.
Her customary flat spot would not have had many punters anxious because she still clearly had plenty in the tank as they reached the 200m mark.
Fourie then got to work and she gave fans a taste of what is to come in the Cape Summer Festival Of Racing by accelerating to the front in effortless style.
She was just doing what was required of her and didn’t do anything exhilarating – she will save that for the big ones.
Yet she still won by an easy 2,25 lengths.
Firealley, who was 8kg under sufferance with the winner, finished second and was followed by pacemaker Captain Of Stealth.
The 97-rated Future Prince will be a warm order in a handicap next time as he was beaten just 3,20 lengths into fourth and was 8,5kg under sufferance with Captain’s Ransom.
Do It Again attempted to track Captain’s Ransom around the final turn and chased her in the straight, but could not match her pace.
He was carrying 62kg but was only 2kg under sufferance with her.
He strode out well over this too sharp trip to be beaten 4,45 lengths.
Waterberry Lane needed it and was beaten 4,95 lengths.
Gainsford was given too much to do and was beaten 9,20 lengths.
It was way too sharp for One Way Traffic, but he didn’t sparkle and was beaten 13,45 lengths.
Racing fans will now wait on tenterhooks to see where Captain’s Ransom goes next.
The big question is whether she will defend her Paddock Stakes crown in early January or instead go for the clash everybody wants to see against stable companion Jet Dark in the L’Ormarins King’s Plate.
