CHAMPAGNE HAZE IS BACK TO HIS BEST
4 winners for Lerena, Van Niekerk
THE Gary Alexandertrained Champagne Haze had run some good races in defeat last year but a drop in his merit-rating may have sparked a return to the form we know he is capable of and he was a solid winner of Race 7 at Turffontein on Saturday.
Jockey Andrew Fortune timed his finishing run to good effect as he fought off some determined challenges from African Ruler (second) and Pure Blonde who ran third.
A crack at some nice features later this season is sure to be on the mind of the connections of Champagne Haze and seems to be at his very best around the 1200m-1400m distance range.
A late afternoon rain shower and the threat of lightning caused the race-meeting to be abandoned with the last race not run.
Of the eight races which took place it was another very good day for jockey Gavin Lerena who won four.
He won the first three races and then picked up his final win on the card when First Dance won Race 6.
Madame Secretary was expected to get favourite punters off to a good start and looked the likely winner going into the final 200m but hung out under pressure which allowed Catwalk under Lerena to fight her off and give new trainer Candice Dawson another winner.
The National Emblem filly Catwalk is improving and can now be watched.
The Geoff Woodruff-trained August Duke found good support and won Race 2 from Empress Valley and the newcomer Flemington.
August Duke will need to improve if he is to win again.
Race 3 looked very competitive and it was Magic Sword who was sent out favourite but she ran unplaced.
Diamond Dancer improved with each start to win this race from Kahal’s Legacy and Fantasy View.
Not to be outdone by his Gauteng rival jockey Grant van Niekerk also rode four winners at Kenilworth on Saturday.
His winners were the juvenile winner Magical Wonderland as well as Light Chaser, Felicity Flyer and Professor Brian.
All these winners were at decent prices which underlines the ability of Van Niekerk when at his best.