The WSB Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas in early December looks a likely target for Mary Slack’s good looker, Champagne Cocktail, who raced clear to win a Class B MR89 Handicap over 1800m at Turffontein on Saturday.
She has now won her first two starts by a collective 12,50 lengths.
Champagne Cocktail strides clear under JP van der Merwe (Pic – JC Photos)
Mike de Kock commented: “She’s impressive, a true professional. She has a massive stride and races with her ears pricked, puts her rivals under pressure. She’s the type of filly that can perform over any distance. Mary loves this family, well done to her.”
Mike said that the Fillies Mile on Summer Cup Day and the Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas are his next considerations for Champagne Cocktail and that he was leaning toward the Guineas.
“It’s a great race to win, and I’m hoping we’ll get a decent draw.”
The 2024 Triple Tiara would be an obvious ultimate target, he added.
Jockey JP van der Merwe said that horses like Champagne Cocktail made it easy to get up for work in the morning. “She’s quality,” he noted.
Champagne Cocktail is by Silvano out of Espumanti, a full-sister to Hollywoodbets Durban July winner Sparkling Water raised at Wilgerbosdrift.
