Stenger is covered in glory

COVERED IN SNOW WILL NOW BE AIMED AT THE G2 WILGERBOSDRIFT FILLIES GUINEAS

San Fermin was desperately unlucky and the Azzies’ charge will pay to follow over further.

There is always a good feeling on the course when a small stable wins a feature race and that proved to be the case at Turffontein on Saturday when Covered In Snow kept on gamely to win the Listed Swallow Stakes for three-year-old fillies over 1160m.

Covered In Snow is trained by Dianne Stenger and one needs to go back a while find the last time this hard-working trainer came away with a feature win. The filly is owned by Peter White, another stalwart of the sport, who has been a long-time supporter of the stable.

The daughter of Crusade had won her last two starts and her last facile victory over Onamission gave her an undeniable winning chance so it was quite strange to see 20-1 on offer about her chances. That was snapped up and she had shortened in to 15-1 by the off.

Muzi Yeni had her just off the leading line with La Bella Mia setting the pace. He moved her into contention at the halfway stage and moved her through to challenge Frederico’s Dream and No More Words with 300m to run. It was only in the last 50m that Covered in Snow edged ahead and she kept going courageously to beat Frederico’s Dream by a head with flying 2-1 favourite San Fermin in third, just a long head further back.

“We were always confident she would win this race,” said a delighted White.

According to Stenger, Covered In Snow could now be aimed at the upcoming Classics. “We will probably go into the Three Troikas Stakes in February and then possible have a crack at the Fillies Guineas,” said Stenger.

However, well-supported San Fermin will have to go down as an unlucky loser. She found trouble from the moment she jumped until 150m from the post when apprentice Lyle Hewitson finally got her into the clear. The Australianbred filly took off in the closing stages and it was a credit to her ability that she was only beaten by 0.30 lengths.

She will pay to follow.

Picture: JC Photographics COURAGEOUS. Covered In Snow is perfectly handled by Muzi Yeni to give the Dianne Stenger stable and owner Peter White a much deserved feature-race victory in the Listed Swallow Stakes over 1160m at Turffontein on Saturday. She beat home the...