Kenilworth treble for Andre Nel

Stars of the show at a rainy and cold Kenilworth on Saturday were the in form Andre Nel outfit, as all three of their runners emerged victorious.

First up for Sabine Plattner’s private trainer was the headstrong Hemmingway, who led from the top of the straight to win the MR84 1400m comfortably. He is a tricky customer, but gets on well with Robert Khathi.

Shortly afterwards they made it two when Aldo Domeyer went pillar to post on the equally problematic grey Dalibhunga. “He is quirky and a bit of a nutcase. The key is to keep him happy at home as he can go sour very quickly and runs accordingly” said assistant trainer Evan Lerena post-race.

This son of dual Grade 1 winner Joie De Grise is obviously a happy horse at the moment, as he has been very consistent of late, and dropping to MR68 level was a bit too smart for the limited opposition.

Then in the last race promising apprentice Sandile Mbhele skilfully brought home improving filly East Lynne first time out of the maidens.

Lerena said she is “a dinky little filly – gangly and green and a late maturer” while Mbhele said she is “small but has got heart”.

That completed another good day for Mbhele as well, as he had also scored on Victorious Captain for Vaughan Marshall in the penultimate race. His winning tally now stands at 16.

The one to put in your notebook from this meeting though is debutante juvenile filly Helen’s Ideal, who won Race 2 by almost five lengths.

Despite being slow into stride, she was at the head of affairs after 200m or so, and strode on purposefully to an impressive win.

The quality of the field she met is difficult to assess, but she certainly won in the manner of a smart sort.

Trainer Paul Reeves said: “She is a very special filly and shows us a great deal at home.”

Kudos should also go to track manager Dean Diedericks, as the course held up very well, despite over 100mm of much needed rain falling during the week.