Choisaanada only just holds on from Fire Attack, whose nose can be seen in the foreground. Highveld Horse Of The Year Fire Attack gave the winner 3kg and this was a good preparation run for the Gr 1 Champions Cup at Hollywoodbets Greyville on July 27. (JC Photos).
The Erico Verdonese-trained Querari gelding Choisaanada became the first-ever winner of all three legs of the Highveld Winter Series, sealing the deal with victory in the Gr 3 4Racing Sea Cottage Stakes over 1800m at Turffontein Standside on Sunday under Callan Murray, who had a four-timer on the day.
Choisaanada is owned by Isabella Lombard & Mr B M Jossel and was bred by Shadwell Stud.
The winning connections walked away with a R500 000 bonus for winnig all three legs.
The connections did not have an easy time of it nerves-wise during the race, as the 33/20 favourite Fire Attack was bearing down on Choisaanada fast and the latter, who started 7/2, only just held on.
Choisaanada ended up in front after jumping well from draw four as Murray found the horses inside of him were reluctant to take it up.
“I don’t need to tell you what I was calling this poor jockey when I saw him in front,” admitted trainer Erico Verdonese with a broad smile on his face after the race.
However, Murray’s snap decision proved to be the correct one and he judged his pace to perfection.
“I didn’t have to do too much with him,” said Verdoneseabout the horse.
A R180 000 National Yearling Sale purchase, the winner took his stakes tally to R1 028 938, including his bonus, with his fifth win and a place from 10 starts.
Choisaanada is out of the unraced Aussie-bred daughter of Redoute’s Choice Musaanada.
