Rain In Holland proves she is still a force to be reckoned with when easily winning the Grade 2 Colorado King Stakes over 2000m at Turffontein Standside on Saturday (JC Photos).
Sean Tarry has never stopped believing in Rain In Holland, despite still being winless for the season well into March, and the Duke Of Marmalade filly finally got what she wanted in the Grade 2 Colorado King Stakes over 2000m at Turffontein Standside on Saturday i.e. a true test.
In her Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara season the factor which became noticeable in separating her from the rest was her ability to find extra when others were gasping for air.
On Saturday, S’Manga Khumalo was up for the first time in her career.
The recent strategy of holding her up had not been working as it placed too much dependence on their being a suitably quick pace which would put the contestants under pressure.
Khumalo took her straight to the front from where he would be able to dictate how much pressure to apply.
Khumalo did not go like the clappers, knowing that the testing going was going to play in their favour in the straight.
In the straight there was suddenly a sight fans had become familiar with last season, i.e the substantial Rain In Holland relishing her task and galloping resolutely under normal urging with the rest of the field off the bit, under the whip, and going up and down.
Rain In Holland was going further clear of the 2,25 length runner up Nebraas as she reached the line and the field was literally strewn out like the washing, with third-placed Johnney Hero beaten 5,75 lengths, Litigation beaten 8,25 lengths, Divine Odyssey beaten 8,75 lengths, Pink Tourmaline beaten 15 lengths and Second Base beaten 16,50 lengths.
That was despite her carrying a 2kg Grade 1 penalty.
The time of the next race over the same distance, a MR 70 Handicap, was run a full 4,16 seconds slower.
It will be no surprise to see Rain In Holland attempting to employ a front-running tactic in her likely next race, the Grade 1 wfa Premier’s Champion Challenge over the same course and distance.
