No way for Indian Ocean (Piere Strydom) as Olivia’s Way (Gavin Lerena, black cap) produced the goods (Pic – JC Photos)
Roy Magner’s Hollywoodbets Durban July entry Olivia’s Way produced the goods in fine style when reeling in the free-striding pacesetter Indian Ocean in the final strides to win the R350 000 TAB Gr2 Igugu Stakes at Turffontein on Saturday, writes the Sporting Post.
It was another favourable result for punters although the third race of the day, the Listed TAB Gold Bowl over 3200m, saw victory for the 125/1 shot, the Paul Matchett-trained Taxhaven, who had finished a three length fifth as a maiden in the Gr 1 SA Derby so was not a formless horse.
Back to Olivia’s Way’s victory, Charismatic owner-breeder Gerald Sadlier was over the moon in the post-race interview, explaining that the smart filly, who has given the family so much joy, had been named after his daughter-in-law, Olivia.
Inside the final 250m Piere Strydom was glancing behind on long-time pacemaker Indian Ocean as Olivia’s Way and Gavin Lerena were seen to be cutting back the lead with every stride.
Inside the final 50m, the wasting and getting down to the 55,5kgs paid dividends for Lerena as Olivia’s Way (5-4) found more to beat the gallant mare Indian Ocean (6-1) by 0,60 lengths in a time of 128,26 secs for the 2000m.
The top weight Beating Wings (17-2) was well beaten, a further 3,40 lengths back in third.
The None Other supporters and connections may as well have stayed home – the mare refusing to jump.
