Lady Fallon gets home on Saturday after a resolute finishing effort. (JC Photos).
The Summerhill Equestrian-based Dynasty stallion Act Of War made a magnificent start to his stud career with two Gr 1 winners in his first crop, including the Triple Tiara-winning champion War Of Athena.
Stallions are usually well supported in their first crop, but if unexpectedly successful with that first crop the dividends might take three or so years to be reaped, because the increased mare support will only start bearing fruit on the racetrack three or four years later.
This is what appears to have happened to Act Of War as he has gone off the radar.
Since the first crop he has only had won further Graded winner and two Listed winners.
The Lucky Houdalakis-trained four-year-old filly Lady Fallon is a smart horse who could help put her father Act Of War back on the radar.
She has won two Listed races this Summer, the Summer Pudding Handicap over 1600m at Turffontein Standside and, fittingly, the War Of Athena handicap over 1800m at Turffontein Standside on Saturday at Turffontein Standside.
Trent mayhew replaced Craig Zackey on Lady Fallon as the latter rode at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the double header day.
From draw three Mayhew had the filly beautifully placed on the rail in fourth place.
Sukhumvit had been a bit keen in second place behind the pace set by Wonderful and was sent for home at the top of the straight.
Sukhumvit opened up a lead of about three lengths, but Lady Fallon wore her down with a resolute finish and in the handicap conditions won off a 98 merit rating by 0,30 lengths carrying 55kg.
Sukhumvit was second and third-placed My Soul Mate was only beaten 0,60 lengths, a fine effort carrying top weight of 60kg.
Elembee and Soldier’s Eye were beaten 3,60 and 5,30 lengths respectively in fourth and fifth places.
Lady Fallon is owned by Dave Shawe and was bred by Blue Sky Thoroughbreds.
Lady Fallon’s three-parts sister by Dynasty, Tipsy Tarragon, was also a Listed winner.
Their dam is the unraceed Gimmethegreenlight mare Chartreuse, who is a full-sister to Gr 1 SA Classic and Gr 2 Charity Mile third-placed Youcanthurrylove.
Houdalakis is having a fine season and has had 28 wins at a strike rate of 22.95%, the highest strike rate by a trainer in the country this season.
Lady Fallon’s success on Saturday was the yard’s second feature success of the week as they won the Non-Black Type Grand Heritage Consolation race last Tuesday with the promising Stone Hill Stud-bred Count Invicto (Royal Mo) , who has won three times from just four starts.
