The Candice Bass-trained Preacher Man, who is a filly despite her name, put her hand up for a berth in the R3 million Race Coast Slipper with a fine win in the first race at Hollywoodbets Durbanville over 1000m on Wednesday.
Candice said a decision would be made on whether to transport her to KZN for the Slipper which is to be run over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on April 11.
In her first start in the Charles Dickens Stakes over 1000m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth she finished a seven length fourth to Slipper contender Champagn Castle and second time out over that same course and distance she was beaten 5,70 lengths by another Slipper contender World Series.
She did improve on Wednesday though, showing fine gatespeed and coming over from draw five to take the lead under substitute rider Callan Murray with the favourite Snowbird behind her.
However, the Narrow Creek Stud-bred Real Gone Kid filly never let up her relentless gallop and Snowbird made little impression and was beaten by 1,75 lengths.
Preacher Man was originally purchased for R200,000 at the Race Coast March Yearling Sale, but she was subsequently sold at a Race Coast two-yeear-old Sale and Candice managed to secure her for a mere R80,000.
Preacher Man was one of three winners for Bass at the Hollywoodbets Durbanville meeting on Wednesday.
