Legal Eagle and Snowdance soar to victory at Kenilworth
Eagle ready for 3rd Queen’s Plate win
Trainer Justin Snaith kicked off Saturday’s Kenilworth meeting by questioning crowd attendance at the course, almost as though he could foresee his horses performing exceptionally: and boy did they perform!
It was a case of lucky No 5 for the trainer, he saddled his fifth Grade 1 Cape Fillies Guineas winner when Snowdance paralysed her foes, justifying 11-10 favouritism. Snaith also saddled five winners on the day – with Bernard Fayd’Herbe the captain aboard four, the other ridden by work rider Sivuyile Kuse.
A three-year-old daughter of Captain Al, Snowdance didn’t break into a sweat in victory, skipping 3.25-lengths clear of stable companion Oh Susanna. She could’ve won by further - it’s not every day you see a horse being eased at the 100m mark in a Grade 1 contest!
“This is a special filly, I’m impressed. She’s got it all,” gushed Fayd’Herbe after the race. She jumped out of the gates beautifully and was placed fourth behind early pace makers Lanark, Princess Peach and Midnight Moonlight. Snowdance switched to another gear at the 400m, impressively hitting the lead in a matter of strides.
Fresnaye (75-1) finished third with Lady In Black (11-1) in fourth and Magical Wonderland a disappointing fifth place. Magical Wonderland struggled to keep up with the pace, but in her defence, 1600m proved a touch too far for her.
“I think Greg Cheyne was the first guy to ride Snowdance, he got off and said, this is a superstar,” said Snaith. Wherever this filly runs next, back her!
Equus Horse of the Year Legal Eagle successfully maintained his unbeaten record over 1600m when winning the Green Point Stakes (Grade 2) for the second year in a row. “It’s not often that I get emotional. Period!
“But when it comes to this horse I do,” said jockey Anton Marcus. Legal Eagle edged out Edict Of Nantes by a 0.50 lengths, and with one race down he looks set to complete a hat-trick of wins in the Queen’s Plate.
“I am always mindful not to overcook him as he cannot be at his peak just yet. Today I am very proud,” said an elated Sean Tarry.
The BiPot appears the way to go at Flamingo Park today, but for Quartets float Miss Aphrodite and Swell Time with Scootaloo, Cutey Me and Fashion Fusion in Race 9.