Clouds Unfold rolls in again to win Marjorca Stakes

A brilliant ride on a top-class filly by Aldo Domeyer saw Clouds Unfold win back-to-back Bidvest Majorca Stakes over 1600m at Kenilworth on Saturday.

Bringing the Candice BassRobinson-trained filly from off the pace, Domeyer snared Celtic Sea just short of the line to win the Grade 1 race by 0.30 lengths.

Third place went to Temple Grafin with Kelpie in fourth.

This daughter of What a Winter went off at 5-1 but paid R8 for a win on TAB, and R2 a place.

Gavin Lerena must have thought he had the race in the bag as Celtic Sea had swept into the lead 400m from home and was travelling like a winner until Clouds Unfold moved past on his outside.

It gave both Domeyer and trainer Candice Bass-Robinson their third winner at the meeting and for both of them, it included the Grade 1 Cape Flying Championship

and the Bidvest Majorca Stakes.

As he made his way back to the winner’s enclosure, Domeyer climbed off Clouds Unfold, stood in front of her, bowed and then kissed her on the face.

“It’s difficult when you have an emotional connection with a horse,” said Domeyer.

“I told Candice; I don’t want to hear anything. This filly needs a mile now. I think she’s a class above them.

“The filly obviously showed a lot of heart so well done to everybody involved.”

He was choked up with emotion and then said: “I just don’t know what more to say.”

Interestingly, both Bass-Robinson’s Grade 1 winners were by What A Winter who was trained by her father, Mike. Bass-Robinson paid tribute to the sire. “This trophy goes to him. He gave me two Grade 1 winners, one over 1000m and one over 1600m.”

Bass-Robinson explained that Clouds Unfold was injured in Durban

and was out for three months. “We struggled to get her back, but she had two runs going into this race and she came back to her best in the Sceptre Stakes last time. Celtic Sea was just too good over 1200m, but I think Clouds Unfold is looking for 1600m now.

“I also want to thank Aldo. He gave her the perfect ride.”

Queen Supreme drifted from 1-1 to 17-10 and after being handily placed in fourth after the start, faded in the straight to finish 10.45 lengths behind the winner.