Ikigai impressive in Tony Ruffel victory
BIG FUTURE: TARRY’S CHARGE INDICATES THERE IS A LOT MORE TO COME Mount Laurel shows courage in holding off Victoria Paige.
It was a day of mixed fortunes as far as results were concerned for trainer Sean Tarry and apprentice Luke Ferraris at Turffontein on Saturday, but in many ways, all the feature-race results were most encouraging.
Although River Jordan did come out on top on in Race 3, this one ridden by apprentice Denis Schwarz, their only feature winner was Ikigai in the Grade 3 Tony Ruffel Stakes over 1400m, who proved his talent with a 4.50-length win over stable companion Westlife.
It was Westlife who went to the front with Ikigai in second spot, but once Ferraris gave him his head at the 400m he simply put daylight between himself and the opposition. Unfortunately, the race was marred by some scratchings, especially that of unbeaten Alibi Guy, this was an emphatic victory. It was also a great one-two for owner Chris van Niekerk.
“You have to be blown away because he really did do it in style,” said Ferraris. “He’s a very nice horse in my opinion and I’m just looking forward to see where he goes.”
Last season’s champion twoyear-old, Got The Green Light, could only manage fourth spot but he clearly was in need of the run and this effort will bring him on nicely.
Mount Laurel, ridden by Craig Zackey for the Gary Alexander yard, showed a lot of guts in holding off a number of late challengers to win the Grade 3 Three Troikas Stakes. It was surprising to see her go off at 14-1 because there was little wrong with her form. She won her first three starts and then was beaten by the colts, many to whom she had to give weight, over 1600m. Back against her own sex and over 1400m, this daughter of Ideal World had to be a contender.
“She’s as game as you can get,” said Zackey. “She’s a horse with a lot of heart and a horse you can have fun with. There’s nothing wrong with her form, the mile last time could have been too far, she’s still a bit weak but she is improving.”
But make a note of Victoria Paige, who flew up from near the back of the field to go down by a head. Tarry’s charge may have appeared to be disappointing last time but she was coming back from a long rest and was not suited by the slow pace. Victoria Paige was on offer at 12-1 at one stage but did shorten to 8-1 at the start.
She is one to follow and should be at her best in time for the Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas.
Perhaps the biggest disappointment for the Tarry yard was the performance of Summer Cup third-placed Al Mutawakel, who went off at 12-10 and could only manage fourth place behind Jet Start in the London News Stakes over 1800m. He looked dangerous 400m out but then seemed to hit a flat spot before picking it up again.
He’s another who will improve.