Big Blow. Zephira is geared down by Robbie Fradd to win the Allez France (JC Photos)
Geoff Woodruff’s Western Winter 3yo Zephira impressed as a classic staying prospect when she swept her opposition aside to win the R125 000 Allez France Handicap run over 2200m at Turffontein on Saturday.
Zephira means ‘west wind’ and she certainly lived up to her tag with a disappearing act in the final 200m that had her rivals standing still.
She came from near last to first in the home stretch and was confidently ridden by Robbie Fradd who has formed a nice partnership with her.
The thirteen horse field that lined up in this non black type feature was a motley crew of staying females, but the manner of Zephira’s storming victory had plenty of prospective Oaks hopeful trainers paying attention.
St John Gray’s Video Games went off at a brisk gallop and led Lucky Gambler, Stylish Bay and Turkish Delight, with Katy’s Lane and Olympia Beijing further back.
The favourite Serruria was tucked up on the rail about 8 lengths off the leader.
Into the home run, Video Games continued to lead as Fradd came off the rail near the rear of the pack as he angled Zephira to the middle of the track for a run.
In a matter of strides Zephira exploded into action and she strode out smartly.
With Fradd giving her a triumphant smack down the neck at the line, Zephira won going away by 3,25 lengths at a generous 4 to 1 in a time of 139,63 secs.
The 10 to 1 shot Turkish Delight shaded the improved again Katy’s Lane for second, with Lucky Gambler just under a length away in fourth.
Mike De Kock’s Serruria , who went off a 5 to 2 favourite, finished in tenth spot and over 7 lengths behind the winner. A most disappointing show from the Galileo 4yo.
The Lammerskraal Stud bred Zephira was a R400 000 Cape Premier Yearling Sale Book 1 graduate.
She is by the recently deceased champion sire Western Winter out of the twice winning Goldkeeper mare, Zebrina.
Zephira has now won 3 races in the shocking pink and yellow Muir silks from her 6 starts for 2 places and R198 250 in stakes.
She must be a serious Oaks prospect and should improve further as she matures.
