Gilded Butterfly produced an exceptional performance at Turffontein Standside in her first try at 2000m when winning the Gr 2 WSB Gerald Rosenberg Stakes (above) and will be a big runner in the Gr 1 Woolavington 2000 if able to reproduce that effort on Saturday (JC Photos).
The decision to open the Grade 1 Woolavington 2000 to four-year-olds was vindicated when 14 quality fillies stood their ground and they will line up on Saturday at Hollywoodbets Greyville.
Only 12 three-year-olds faced the starter last season and with Rain In Holland not there they ranged from two 110 merit ratings to a 76 merit rating.
It was without doubt a below par field.
However, this season’s race looks to be a true test of class.
Rain In Holland missed this race last year, but comes here in form and will try and notch a second career Gr 1 at Hollywoodbets Greyville.
Last year’s winner Silver Darling beat Rain In Holland by a comfortable 2,75 lengths when finishing a fine 1,55 length third in the Grade 1 Cartier Paddock Stakes over 1800m behind Make It Snappy and Captain’s Ransom. She is drawn 14 out of 14, but Richard Fourie aboard is a positive.
None Other has a fine pedigree for middle distances and above and the SA Oaks winner is interesting here considering this is just her second start beyond 1800m.
Saartjie was probably the unluckiest horse in the WSB Fillies Guineas and if able to overcome a wide draw will be a big runner over a trip she has proved she stays.
Marina has not quite lived up to the promise she had been showing midway through her four-year-old season, but she has won a Gr 2 over course and distance.
Gilded Butterfly obliterated a quality field in the Grade 2 WSB Gerald Rosenberg Stakes. That was her first start over 2000m and it was run in a time two seconds quicker than the Gr 1 Premier’s Champions Challenge time.
Lady Of Power will likely make a bid to dictate. Draw two is ideal over a trip this long-strider should enjoy.
Time Flies is only rated 96 but won a Listed race over course and distance in good style last time.
Peach Dacquiri stayed on well to win the Grade 2 WSB Fillies Guineas and although the chief protagonists were involved in a melee she should relish this step up in trip, being closely related to Cape Derby winner Pomp And Power.
Hold My Hand was one of the unlucky ones in the WSB Fillies Guineas and she enjoys this trip.
Light Of The Moon was second last year, but this is a lot tougher.
Virginia Sweet, Ice Sunsation and Ipso Facto are up against it.
Gilded Butterfly could beat home None Other, Saartjie, Rain In Holland and Hold My Hand, but it looks to be wide open.
