The Candice Bass-Robinson-trained Tenango (Canford Cliffs) ran out an easy winner of the Gr 3 Champagne Stakes under Andrew Fortune on Monday. (Picture: Wayne Marks).
Graeme Hawkins
Andrew Fortune produced the exciting Tenango (28/10) from well off the pace to win yesterday’s R250 000 Champagne Stakes (Gr3) over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth with contemptuous ease.
Tenango was switched off towards the rear of the field as Seeking The Stars and Lion Rampart cut out the early pace. Approaching the final 200m Gem King moved through menacingly but by now Tenango was in full cry and the 4yo son of Canford Cliffs swept past to score going away by a wide margin.
Tenango has now won five races from only thirteen starts and we are likely to see him next in the Grade 2 Golden Horse Sprint over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville towards the end of May. Trained by Candice Bass-Robinson for owner-breeder Ian Longmore, Tenango has recovered remarkably well from a wind operation and is now in the form of his life.
Gem King finished second ahead of All Out For Six and a running on Silver Falcon but were they simply no match for Tenango who was recording his first Graded Stakes success, with the promise of more to come.
Tenango was Fortune’s third winner on the card, having booted home Hunga Tonga and English Mistress earlier in the day.
The 2yo’s North Point, Randolph Hearst and Ukuduma were impressive winners of the first three races on the programme. All three appear to be well above the average and should be worth following for the remainder of the Season.
