Mark Van Deventer Dives Into Summer Cup Form
Piere “Striker” Strydom can cap his outstanding riding in the first half of the season to date, in which he is riding to a strike rate of 29.51%, by winning the Gr 1 Betway Summer Cup on See It Again. (Picture: Wayne Marks)
INTERBET PREVIEW OF THE G1 SUMMER CUP 2024
MARK VAN DEVENTER
Punters have a real incentive to solve the 2024 Summer Cup handicap puzzle. Not only will the single race exotics pay well given the deeply competitive, 20-runner field and large betting pools, but it also forms part of all the horizontal exotic sequences (Bipot, PA, P6 and both Jackpots.) Closer to the jump at 16h00, there will also be some fancy fixed odds prices available.
Below is a deep dive into each entry, in card order. Their career best speed figure to date is listed next to their name. At the end of the article are letter grades, which group the horses according to the probability of winning and potential value they may offer.
SEE IT AGAIN – s/s 116: is seriously high class from a mile up to middle distances and is bred for tests of stamina; was outstanding at three and four but his figures have dipped slightly at five where he has “only” been running around 109; gelding in August may help him hit the heights again; makes a first foray to the Highveld which is always a query; should work out a smooth passage under Strydom from draw 6; primary Win candidate but a bit skinny @ 3/1 antepost – anything better than 9/2 would represent fair value.
MAIN DEFENDER – s/s 115: produced some remarkable numbers as a juvenile and 3YO over seven panels and a mile; lesser efforts have followed since and this 11/1 chance remains a question mark over this distance; hinting at a form return again when scoring 105 last time under a heavy burden over 1800m behind Greeting My Master; will get a good stalk and pounce trip from draw 3; is an enormous talent but legit concerns remain as he stretches out over a longer route; not sure whether to either endorse or reject his chances?
WINCHESTER MANSION – s/s 112: is a “duck or no dinner” type who mixes quality performances with dreary displays; is arguably too close in the weights now to See It Again compared to their July clash in 2023. Also worse off with Royal Victory on their level weights C/D clash back in April 2024; it’s difficult to see this temperamental 13/1 shot winning from an awkward draw (13) but he could sneak a place on his best form.
ROYAL VICTORY – s/s 112: won this last year and has a fine record at Turffontein; prepped well behind the resuming, See It Again at Greyville a month ago and is better off at the weights this time; consistent and dependable – seems sure to give his running once again under Gavin Lerena who rides this layout expertly; second favourite at 6/1 and a potential Win candidate.
PURPLE PITCHER – s/s 107: goes well third run after a rest and seems to be rounding into form; could be a pace factor if ridden decisively from a handy position; good record over ground at this venue when near the top of his generation at three; needs to strengthen his finishing punch to contend, though; 15/1 in early trade.
BARBARESCO – s/s 109: steady performer with a solid record; has suffered through some rough trips, for example still ran gamely in the G1 Daily News over this distance despite a horrid passage; comfortably holds Winchester Mansion at the weight turn around compared to their most recent meeting; 10/1 ante post seems a square price about his claims.
PUERTO MANZANO – s/s 105: used to rate higher (108); was very successful at this track in his prime; but his form this year has been dull, hence dismissive quotes of 75/1
PURE PREDATOR – s/s 104; career best achieved over this C/D in April ’24; prior to that had some memorable duels with Purple Pitcher as a 3YO; current form is uninspiring however (not striding out 19 days ago in his prep) and needs to improve significantly on that; priced up @ 33/1.
FRANCES ETHEL – s/s 104: this determined filly is primed third up after a rest and has the wizardry of Oisin Murphy to aid her cause; rates close to contemporary, Silver Sanctuary on Woolavington back form; should work out a good trip and will be all heart in the finish; 8/1 are her current odds.
FUTURE PEARL – s/s 105; is a former star stayer; form has dipped badly due to unsoundness; goes well for masterful hoop, Richard Fourie but needs a dramatic revival. 35/1 is his price.
ZEUS s/s 103: admirable 10 x winner that has also forged his reputation as a marathon runner and is similarly priced by the bookies to Future Pearl; being drawn on the wide outside is no help; lacks the zip needed to contend against quality middle distance performers.
BEATING WINGS – s/s 102; comes in here in fine fettle; should enjoy a saloon passage from draw 5 sitting just off the early pace; that said, she may be light on figs and needs a career peak to get involved. Only given a remote 4% chance of success by the layers.
SILVER SANCTUARY – s/s 105 +:is in great shape and should sit a smooth trip, too; consistent filly with scope to improve even more being by Silvano and trained by a maestro, MDK; currently around 10/1 in the market.
HOTARUBI – s/s 102: just two wins from 18 starts with plenty of places sums up his career; will again give it his best shot but tends to come up short in these Graded races; Bookies give him a meagre 2% outliers chance of upsetting.
LITIGATION – s/s 104: eight wins from 34 starts; likely pace influence as he goes best upfront and is drawn on the inside (1); conditioned by big race ace, Sean Tarry; is another that will probably run to his figure but it’s hard to envisage this 66/1 chance still contending when it counts.
ATTICUS FINCH – s/s 106: Alec Laird will have his charge is sharp condition; is another well drawn front runner liable to press the pace; could again be vulnerable to better closers in deep stretch – that was his fate in last year’s Summer Cup when finishing in the ruck 4.4 lengths off Royal Victory though he is three kg’s better off on Saturday; slight overlay at 20/1 and beckons as an each way play.
RULE BY FORCE – s/s 101 +: hard-to-assess, lightly raced five-year-old that has won three of 12 starts; neat prep when winning untroubled 19 days ago; was behind the best as a 3YO (4.5 lengths off Son Of Raj in the ’23 SA Derby) but still has upside; 55/1 shot needs to hit a new career top to have any hope.
CAPE EAGLE – s/s 107: is usually pitched in slightly lower than this class; has dependable form in KZN; won the Durban July Consolation with a tidy fig of 107 over 2200m at Greyville but is now worse off with Atticus Finch; prefers racing handy; will need to get over from draw 17; 80/1 seems a touch dismissive so is a longshot worth adding underneath to single race exotics.
MADISON VALLEY – s/s 104: just edged out Cape Eagle in his prep for this seven weeks ago; negatives are a bad draw of 19 and he now moves up sharply in grade; pros are that he is still developing physically as a 4YO and will see it out no problem in a contest that could be run quite hard with the non-stayers running out of gas; 40/1 available
MY SOUL MATE – s/s 100: 2 wins from 15 tries; best runs were 1.75 lengths adrift of Frances Ethel in the Oaks over 2400m and a similar margin in arrears of Silver Sanctuary in the Woolavington; more is required for this 80/1 spook to trouble the scorer.
GRADES FOR THE 2024 SUMMER CUP:
A = 1 4 B = 6 9 13 16 C = 2 3 5 18 19
Irwin On Team Valor’s SA interests
Picture: Barry Irwin of the renowned Team Valor racing syndicate.
Jack Milner (Tab4Racing)
USA-based Team Valor has had a close relationship with South African racing for many years now and recently bought four fillies who have run with much success in South Africa.
One of those is Frances Ethel who is second favourite for Saturday’s R6-million Betway Summer Cup at Turffontein.
Barry Irwin, founder and CEO of Team Valor, kindly answered a few questions about his organisation and their plans for the four fillies, three of which are already in the USA.
1-Over the years Team Valor has purchased a number of South African-bred horses. How did this get started and what has brought you back to buying from this country for such a lengthy period?
Our first South African runner was the Summer Cup winner Delta Form, which we bought in partnership with South African-born Gary Barber. He won the Grade 2 Del Mar Handicap for us. However, when we bought into Ipi Tombe in partnership with WinStar Farm and her existing partnership of fellows from Zimbabwe, that opened my eyes about how much international potential existed for horses bred and racing in Africa.
The year Ipi Tombe won the Duty Free in Dubai, I attended my first National Yearling Sale in South Africa and went for several years in a row. When the Markus Jooste incident tainted the South African racing industry, I took a hiatus. But I missed racing in South Africa, so I am back again. It’s fun racing in South Africa and occasionally they produce horses good enough to cut it anywhere on the planet, so that intrigues me.
2-What did you see in the breeding and performances of Frances Ethel that enticed you to purchase her?
It was Frances Ethel’s desire to win that caught my attention. She won race after race when seemingly she was beaten a furlong from the wire. She has a nice enough family and her sire, Rafeef, not only was a well-bred, top-class runner, he is getting the job done as a sire.
3-Is there a move afoot to race her overseas?
Yes, Frances Ethel will definitely be brought overseas. When the timing is deemed to be right, she will be flown to Europe, where she will train for a while until her partners decide whether to bring her to the US or to Australia, or perhaps the US as a prelude to going to Australia.
One of her owners is an Australian and he very much wants to see her race in his homeland. Right now, we have two races in mind for her—the Summer Cup and the Paddock Stakes. After that a decision will be made about the rest of the season or perhaps a trip to Europe.
4-You currently have a few SA-bred horses with you in the USA, in particular Feather Boa, Bless My Stars, Egyptian Mau. When will they be seen in action and how do you rate their prospects?
Each one of these fine racing prospects suffered some sort of set back, but all three are set for promising campaigns in 2025.
Feather Boa arrived with bangs and cuts. She came around the fastest and closed well to place on debut recently in New York. She is set to return in a conditions race in three weeks at Gulfstream Park.
Bless My Stars had a setback that required a layup period, but she is back to her best now and will make her US debut going a mile in the Grade 3 Suwannee River Stakes on 21 December at Gulfstream Park. These two are both trained by Todd Pletcher.
Egyptian Mau suffered a lower limb insult and while being examined in New York quarantine she flipped over, compromising a large area of bone and skin on her left hind ankle. Rehab was slow and difficult, but she is finally doing fast work in Southern California for trainer Neil Drysdale and we think she can make the races in February at Santa Anita.
She will be geared to race 6 ½ furlongs (1300m) on the unique hillside infield turf course.
I think all three of them can ring the bell in Graded stakes.
5-Does Team Valor have a relationship with Oisin Murphy that encouraged his decision to ride her in the Summer Cup?
Oisin has ridden quite a few races for our stable the last few years, mostly because we have horses in training with Andrew Balding, the Kingsclere trainer who has a deep relationship with the Champion jockey.
He has been my favourite rider for the last few years and he knows how I feel about him. He reminds me of the great Bill Shoemaker of California. His feel for what to do on a horse in both instinctive and brilliantly conceived. He gets the most out a horse without unduly beating them up. I love that about him.
The idea of bringing him to ride Frances Ethel was the brainchild of Ash Maharaj and he deserves full credit for his work in putting it all together.
6-Team Valor has only recently been operating in Europe. How successful has that operation been, especially in light of the Covid pandemic?
Well, truth be told we have always had horses racing in Europe from the 1990s onward. But we decided to beef up our ranks a few years ago. The main reason is that the culture of cheating by using performance enhancing drugs in America has led us to race more in Europe, where the sport is cleaner, more fun and more beautiful.
Europe now is our main source of horseflesh. Some will race and remain, while others will be exported to race and eventually be sold in the United States.
Search Is On For A Summer Cup Longshot
In 2019 Denis Schwarz rode the Sean Tarry-trained 114 merit-rated outsideer Zillzaal to victory in the Summer Cup and this year Schwarz rides the Tarry-trained 114 merit-rated outsider Litigation. Zillzaal came off an unplaced run in the Charity Mile to win and so does Litigation. These are the sort of omens some punters will be considering. (Picture: JC Photos).
Mike Moon (The Citizen)
Punters cast nets wide for race that can throw up a shock.
Many racing fans are expecting a longshot to win Saturday’s Betway Summer Cup at Turffontein – little wonder after plenty of upset results in Joburg’s premier race over the past couple of decades.
Royal Victory (33-1 in 2023), Flying Carpet (25-1 in 2021), Zillzaal (28-1 in 2019) and Liege (16-1 in 2017) were the most recent slaps inflicted on the betting public.
So, punters are searching more intently than usual for a value proposition and the betting buck is being spread widely across the 20 runners in Africa’s richest race. It’s not just punters; tipsters are casting their nets further than usual in search of the ever-elusive “shrewdy”.
Winchester Mansion, Barbaresco
That means fancied horses have not tightened as expected in the market, but some outliers have.
The likes of Hotarubi (40-1), Zeus (35-1) and Purple Pitcher (20-1) have all been touted in public by normally sane and sober people.
Justin Snaith packs heat for the Met
South Africa’s top-rated horse See It Again has been the favourite from the moment ante-post betting opened on the R6-million Summer Cup, hovering around the 3-1 mark. In the past week, the Michael Roberts-trained raider from Durban drifted out to 4-1 before ducking back to 5-2.
See It again is too consistent and brave a performer for any serious player to allow him to drift on an outgoing tide.
Similar ebbs and flows have been seen with other shorter-priced runners, like long-time second-favourite Frances Ethel (15-2 on Wednesday), defending champion Royal Victory (8-1) and Silver Sanctuary (10-1).
Horses that have shortened notably in recent weeks include Winchester Mansion and Barbaresco, who showed their fitness and track aptitude when finishing first and third respectively in the Charity Mile at Turffontein a month ago.
Purple Pitcher
Another attracting steady money has been Purple Pitcher – in from 30-1 to 20-1. Trained at the Big T by Robyn Klaasen, the four-year-old is perfectly course and distance suited and has had a copybook preparation for the Grade 1.
The most dramatic price plunger has been Main Defender. The highly rated four-year-old gelding, trained at Turffontein by Tony Peter, was quoted at 35-1 by the race sponsor in the first week of November but was slashed to 10-1 after running second in the Grade 3 Victory Moon Stakes on the 11th of the month.
That race was over 1800m on soft ground and many pundits were forced to revise their view that he wouldn’t have the stamina reserves for the Summer Cup’s 2000m.
When in-form jockey Gavin Lerena was declared to ride Royal Victory and not Main Defender, as expected, the latter eased out to 12-1.
An open betting market was to be expected with the best quality field for the Summer Cup in years. The grand old race’s recent reputation for shocks has made it more so.
SUMMER CUP BETTING
28-10 See It Again
15-2 Frances Ethel
8-1 Royal Victory
10-1 Silver Sanctuary, Barbaresco
12-1 Main Defender, Winchester Mansion
20-1 Purple Pitcher, Atticus Finch
25-1 Beating Wings
28-1 Pure Predator
35-1 Future Pearl, Zeus
40-1 and upwards the others
L'Ormarins King's Plate Tickets Are Now Available
Cape Town, South Africa – The 2025 L’Ormarins King’s Plate is set to be one of the most exciting racedays to date. The event is scheduled for Saturday, January 4th, at the renowned Hollywoodbets Kenilworth racetrack, and is celebrated for its distinguished horse racing and elegant ambiance.
Recognized as one of the most anticipated social events of the Cape summer season, the L’Ormarins King’s Plate (LKP) marks the first Gr 1 feature race of the New Year. Named after the original silver plate awarded by Queen Victoria to the winner of the race’s inaugural running in 1861, this event continues to uphold a rich tradition.
Part of the tradition is the Best Dressed competition: Best Dressed Woman, Best Dressed Man and Best Hat.
This year, the competition is sponsored by Cartier and a beautiful Cartier Juste Un Cloud bracelet is the prize in all categories, while Best Dressed Woman and Best Hat receive further Cartier items like scarves and handbags; and the Best Dressed Man is awarded Cartier cufflinks and a covetable Santos de Cartier ballpoint pen.
Additionally guests stand the chance to win cash prizes (R20,000) in the Moments and Writers competitions. These awards are open to all amateur photographers and writers who capture the essence of the day.
This fantastic opportunity encourage all patrons to truly feel part of the L’Ormarins King’s Plate experience, whether they’re watching from the side of the track in the Lifestyle Stud Club, or experiencing raceday in the Lifestyle Style Village.
Each hospitality offering is designed to offer guests a unique experience and tickets can be purchased as following:
- Lifestyle Style Village Package – R600 per head
This ticket grants access to both the thrilling horse races and the vibrant After Party. Guests can explore a variety of bars, wine stands, and gourmet food options, alongside unique exhibits including a stunning display of vehicles from the Franschhoek Motor Museum. Parking is conveniently located in-field, with entry and drop-off available via Wetton Road.
- Lifestyle Stud Club Package – R1,800 per head
This premium hospitality experience features an exclusive marquee overlooking, and alongside the track. Guests are with luxurious amenities including private bars, totes, and cocktail lounges. The ticket also includes selected Athonij Rupert Wines, beer, further refreshments, plus a delicious lunch. Parking is conveniently located in-field, with entry and drop-off available via Wetton Road. Stud Club guests also get access to the Style Lounge Village and After Party.
The 2025 L’Ormarins King’s Plate is without a doubt a day to experience refined hospitality, great excitement and glamorous, chic fashion.
Tickets are live and available to purchase here.
https://lormarinskingsplate.co.za/
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For images of the 2024 LKP please see here.
For further information, interviews, and accreditation, please contact emma@narrativepr.co.za.
Lunga Gila Returns To The East Cape
Lunga Gila after a win at Fairview with Morning Chess (Pauline Herman Photography)
Henk Steenkamp
Trainer Lunga Gila announced that his stable will be returning to Fairview in the Eastern Cape.
Gila, born and bred in the Eastern Cape, started his own stable as a trainer two seasons ago at Fairview.
He will be returning there after he trained out of Futura Park this year. Gila will saddle his last runners for his Western Cape stable at Wednesday’s Kenilworth meeting.
“I want to thank Messrs Greg Bortz (Chairman of Cape Racing), Justin Vermaak (Executive Racing & Bloodstock) and Hollywoodbets for all their support.
“I was treated very well and enjoyed my stint in Cape Town. I decided to move back to the Eastern Cape purely due to family reasons.
“I want to be closer to my family who needs me,” Gila explained.
In his debut 2022/2023 season at Fairview he ended with the third highest win percentage.
He started in January this year as the first black trainer ever in the Western Cape, like in the Eastern Cape, and is proud of what he achieved.
“It think I’ve done well in the Western Cape as a small stable.”
Gila will now press the restart button at Fairview and anyone interested in supporting the stable can contact Lunga on the Facebook page of Lunga Gila Racing Stables.
My Best Shot Can Take The Guineas Plate
Picture: My Best Shot has been tipped to win the Guineas Plate (Pauline Herman Photography).
R1 (13) REGINA LOU ran well on debut and has plenty of scope to go well here compared to others respectfully hence she is the first choice. (5) HER ROYALTY is capable of much better and can contest the finish. (11) HAT MONTERA wasn’t beaten far on debut and will improve from that run. (6) SERENDIPITOUS is capable of winning here but was rather disappointing in the last start when beaten favourite however can’t be ignored. (Devonne Govender 13-5-11-6)
R2 Tough race. (6) NOODSBERG ran a cracker in the last start and will be a hard horse to beat in this contest. (3) BEIJING BOULEVARD is holding consistent form and will be in the frame, she has a much better draw and will challenge. (1) A MONTH OF SUNDAYS has scope to go well and will be in the firing line with more improvement to come. (4) COUNTESS Q is getting closer with each and every run and must be included in everything. (Devonne Govender 6-3-1-4)
R3 (1) MY BEST SHOT is classy and is expected to bounce back here. He seemed to come under pressure early during the last 300m or so in the last start and that is clearly not his type of run. (3) SAKURAJIMA ran in front of the top selection and shoulders a handy weight in this contest and will be fighting this one out so respect his chances however he will have to pick up his feet to match the classy top selection. (4) PLAY ACT is holding form well and won’t be far coming from a yard who are in top form. (2) CAN’T SAY NO is capable of much better and will have quartet chance. ( Devonne Govender 1-3-4-2)
R4 (7) VINTAGE CRYSTAL ran extremely well in the last start and will have a huge winning chance in this open looking contest. Although she jumps from a tough draw there looks to be enough speed in this race which may suit her. (4) GREEN FAME placed at big odds in her last start, it was a good performance and if repeating that here she will have a huge say. (6) BLUE PALACE is capable on her day and cannot be discounted here, she hasn’t been far in recent starts and can feature. (1) ARABIAN RED has a big weight to carry but won’t be far with a top rider up. (Devonne Govender 7-4-6-1)
R5 Punters are urged to play wide in exotics as this is a very open race. (3) GOLD FOR AFRICA has a wide draw to deal with however she can race handy and with her usual gate speed she may just get into a prominent position so must be respected. (1) LADY ZULTANITE is never far back and very capable of winning this contest despite the wide draw. (5)CHRONICLESOFNANIA has the ability to win a race of this nature and can’t be ignored. (6) QUERANDI ran well in the last start and must have chance here. (Devonne Govender 3-1-5-6)
R6 Another very open looking race. (3) HEART STEALER is holding solid form and is definitely the horse to beat although he has a tough draw. (2) HAROLD THE DUKE won at long odds but must be respected here from a much better draw. (1) KAROO GOLD comes of the same form line as the second selection and will have to factored into everything. (6) SLAINTE MHATH is a honest type and expected to be in the mix. ( Devonne Govender 3-2-1-6)
R7 CRUZADOR is very speedy and if finding himself in a prominent position he will be dangerous. (6) WORDSWORTH ran extremely well in the last start and a repeat showing will see him being competitive. (10) FULL OF MAGIC has never been far back and rates a winning chance here. (11) MEDITERANEANGODDES Is very capable on her day, her last run was good and she will have to be included. ( Devonne Govender 4-6-10-11)
R8 (4) MASKED VIGILANTE is in top form and will have another massive winning chance however there are plenty dangers here. (2) EYJAFJALLAJOKULL is the main danger to the top selection, his last win was very impressive and there won’t be much to choose between the top two. (9) EL ROMIACHI is another who is holding top form and can’t be left out of anything, like the top two selections he’s also searching for his third consecutive win. (12) TRAVEL MASTER is holding consistent form and another honest run is expected. ( Devonne Govender 4-2-9-12)
R9 (5) LEGAL THRILLER ran an absolute cracker in the last start and will be a huge contender here from a much better draw. He quickened up well from the tail end and will be the firm first choice and a Pick 6 banker. (6) GOLDEN PAVILION ran well enough in the last start and won’t be far once again. (8) SWISS WALT is holding consistent form and his last run was eye catching, massive runner. (9) PASHTUNWALI is never far back and can get into the mix. (Devonne Govender 5-6-8-9)
Il Etait Temps Only Out For Three Weeks - Mullins Stable Tour
Willie Mullins (Picture credit: Inpho)
Willie Mullins was relieved to discover Il Etait Temps’ recent issue was not as bad as first feared.
Below is the profile and Mullins’ comment for this Hollywood Syndicate-owned older horse and to read the profiles and comments for all of his other older horses CLICK HERE
Il Etait Temps
- 6-y-o; grey gelding
- Breeding: Jukebox Jury (IRE) – Une Des Sources (FR) (Dom Alco (FR))
- Trained by: W P Mullins
- Last Race: Punchestown, 02 May 2024 17:25
- Result: Won/4, tracked leaders in 3rd, slight mistake 3 out and briefly pushed along, headway into 2nd and ridden 2 out, improved to lead after last, stayed on well inside final furlong
- View full form
Form profile
A 160-rated chaser, he has won four of his six starts over fences including a Grade 1 novice chase at the Dublin Racing Festival, the Manifesto Novices’ Chase at Aintree and the Barberstown Castle Novice Chase at the Punchestown Festival.
Trainer says
He was ready to run in the John Durkan, but he got an infection that was so sore that he was fracture lame. I thought he was going to be out for the season when I saw him that lame. But that’s infections, they can get very sore, but aren’t as serious as the level of lameness would suggest. We got it washed out and it’s going to be fine, but he’ll end up missing three weeks which will rule him out of Christmas. He has options. He could be a Ryanair horse, or he could be a Gold Cup horse. We’ll let what he does on the track guide us.
Throwback To Mike de Kock's Last Summer Cup Win
Randall Simons salutes as Flirtation beats Mother Russia in the 2010 Summer Cup (Pic – Gold Circle)
Mike de Kock has been attempting to land a tenth Summer Cup since 2011 and as a matter of interest here is a look back at the day in 2010 in which he landed his 9th Summer Cuip and got the exacta in the process:
2010 Summer Cup Review
The very well attended Sansui Summer Cup saw the powerful Mike de Kock yard claim another major race one-two, this time with two filles, Flirtation and Mother Russia and the race was also a triumph for the top stallion Silvano.
A tremendous racecourse atmosphere was generated by the enthusiastic crowd of some 15,000 people.
Randall Simons rode four-year-old Flirtation to victory and the young jockey’s disappointment of losing the expensive Emperor’s Palace Ready To Run Cup on odds-on shot Igugu was forgotten.
“I’m pinching myself,” said an ecstatic Simons.
De Kock praised the gallant Mother Russia, who has only ever missed a cheque twice in 25 starts.
“She did everything but win,” he said. “I think both her and Flirtation have more to come as this was only their second start this season.”
The Charles Laird-trained Rudi Rocks finished third ahead of last year’s winner, the Sean Tarry-trained Aslan.
Like Flirtation, both Rudi Rocks and Aslan are by Silvano.
De Kock’s talked about three-year-old, Perana, who had won the Grade 2 Victory Moon Stakes in astonishing fashion, started favourite at 5-2, but Mother Russia was the most supported horse on the day, coming in from 5-1 to 7-2.
Flirtation was quietly fancied by more than a few pundits.
However, with the hype surrounding Perana and others, she was forgotten and started at 25-1.
Anthony Delpech took the long-striding Perana to the front from the off and set a very good gallop that had the field under pressure throughout.
Winter’s Night and Service Ace sat behind him, while Mother Russia was about eigthth, with Flirtation and Rudi Rocks near the back about a dozen lengths behind in the running.
Perana and Winter’s Night opned up a lead at the top of the straight, but then Mother Russia emerged from the pack under a tight hold from Kevin Shea and when she took the lead at the 300m mark it looked race over.
However, she tired in the last 100m, as did the chaser Rudi Rocks.
Flirtation, who had been switched around a wall of runners at the 300m mark with still five lengths to make up, suddenly became a contender.
She collared a wilting Mother Russia in the final stride to win by 0,5 lengths.
Rudi Rocks was 1,75 lengths behind the winner and Aslan stayed on to finish fourth, three lengths behind the winner and 1,75 lengths ahead of another former winner, Rudra.
Flirtation was bred by Advocate Altus Joubert and is owned by C and BA Livanos.
2010 Summer Cup Follow Up
The Summer Cup on Saturday turned into another triumph for the all-conquering Mike de Kock yard.
He achieved a one-two as he had done in this year’s Vodacom Durban July, although this time it was with two females, four-year-old Flirtation and five-year-old Mother Russia.
Randall Simons rode Flirtation to the biggest win of his young career.
His hitherto highest profile ride for de Kock had been in the expensive Emperor’s Palace Ready To Run Cup earlier this month on the highly touted Igugu, who started odds-on favourite in that race.
When she lost a few might have questioned de Kock’s loyalty to Simons.
However, within the space of 70 odd minutes on Saturday any question that his jockeyship was to blame was firmly dispelled.
Firstly his ride from draw 17 in the Summer Cup could not have been more perfect.
He had Flirtation relaxed one wide about a dozen lengths back in the running.
She moved up steadily in the straight before he deftly switched her through a gap at the 350m mark.
It was the winning move as from then on her resolute finish enabled her to collar a tiring Mother Russia in the shadow of the post.
Then just over an hour later Igugu’s Ready To Run conqueror, the Charles Laird-trained Hollywoodboulevard, proved herself a special horse, waltzing clear under Guillermo Figueroa to a four length win in the level weights Grade 3 KIC Fillies Mile for three-year-olds, beating the likes of former Grade 1 winner Happy Archer.
Flirtation brought joy to long-time owner Costa Livanos and his wife Billy Ann.
De Kock was also glowing in his praise of Mother Russia’s excellent performance.
“She did everything but win,” he said.
He admitted he had made a mistake with her after the only ever poor run of her career in the Gold Challenge at Clairwood in June.
“It was one run too many, I made a mistake,” he had said before sending her for a long rest.
De Kock was once asked, “Are you still learning in the U.K?”, and his telling reply was “I’m still learning here, anybody who thinks he knows enough about this game shouldn’t be training.”
Mother Russia, benefitted from this attitude, and will surely be remembered one day as one of the most courageous females this country has ever produced.
In her career with Joey Ramsden and de Kock she has only ever missed a cheque twice in 25 outings, despite being on the small, albeit stocky, side and one who has never “wowed” parade ring audiences.
Her many stakes victories include three Grade 1 wins and she has now finished runner up, when carrying bigger weights than the winner, in two of the country’s big ones, the J&B Met and the Sansui Summer Cup.
De Kock felt that both Flirtation and Mother Russia could come on from their runs, as this had been only their second respective runs of the season.
The Maine Chance stallion Silvano made a giant stride towards usurping Jet Master as Champion Sire.
He is sire of Flirtation, third-placed Rudi Rocks and fourth-placed Aslan.
The latter won the race last year.
Find Your Jam at Emperors Palace
Article – Hello Lifestyle
Food Jams has come to Johannesburg, and it’s starting to sizzle.
Located at the Feastivity Cooking Studio at Emperors Palace, Food Jams is an exciting new cooking experience for foodies and the cooking-impaired alike.
Food Jams is a great alternative activity for those looking to unwind, socialise or simply learn a trick or two in the kitchen. It’s ideal for friend groups or families looking to find something different do and have fun in an environment that is often out of their comfort zone. More importantly, Food Jams is ideal for team building outings or company year-end functions. Think of Food Jams as your own private MasterChef Masterclass, where you get to have fun putting together a series of exotic dishes and then share the results. The interactive cooking experiences are not just about savouring delicious flavours, but combining the power of cooking with a deep commitment to sustainability, Food Jams at Feastivity redefines what it means to indulge in your own unique creations while caring for our planet.
Food Jams has a series of signature events happening in November and December that is ideal for companies and corporates looking for something different, fun and interactive for a year-end function event. Here’s the calendar:
06 Nov – Mexican Fiesta Cooking Class
07 Nov – Boujee Boozie Barista Fun
09 Nov – Journey to Japan Cooking Class
13 Nov – Hibachi Griller Cooking Class
20 Nov – Mediterranean Escape Cooking Class
23 Nov – Indian Spice Adventure Cooking Class
27 Nov – Italian Feast Cooking Class
30 Nov – Mexican Fiesta Cooking Class
04 Dec – Journey to Japan Cooking Class
07 Dec – Hibachi Griller Cooking Class
For more information or to book visit FoodJams.co.za or click here
Food Jams is Located at Emperors Palace, located next to OR Tambo international airport.
Emperors Palace. The Palace of Dreams.
Visit EmperorsPalace.com or follow us on social media.
Today's Question
Royal Academy winning the Breeders Cup under Lester Piggott. Credit: Stidham
How did Royal Academy’s Breeder’s Cup Mile win under Lester Piggott, who had just come out of retirement, later have an influence on South African breeding?
FIELDS, Friday 29, November
Fairview Poly
Today’s Question Answer
