Double Whammy justifies the confidence as she storms clear to win the Gr3 Diana Stakes (Bay Media)
A polished and confident ride by Greg Cheyne put the seal on an easy victory for the Judpot filly Double Whammy in the R250 000 Lanzerac Gr3 Diana Stakes at Durbanville on Saturday. The promising 3yo led all the way and looks a promising and exciting Summer Of Champions prospect.
The late scratching of the Joey Ramsden-trained Grey Light probably took some lustre off what could have been a terrific boat race between two up and coming 3yo’s, but it in no way detracted from what was a lovely performance and popular victory for the Shirluck Stud-bred Double Whammy.
Greg Ennion’s 3yo In Limine broke through the gates during the loading process, but was quickly gathered by jockey Ossie Nach and reloaded.
On the jump, Highly Decorated was slow away and Greg Cheyne had no hesitation in taking Double Whammy up to show the way ahead of In Limine, Perpetua and Princess Ofthe Sky.
Into the home run the favourite continued to roll out front but appeared to have some running to do as challenges came from all sides.
But Greg Cheyne knew what he had under him and he flexed his arms and shook the reins as he straightened Double Whammy out. She immediately upped the ante and put her head down.
Greg Cheyne – polished ride on the favourite
Despite the late challenge of Lanner Falcon down the outside, Cheyne kept a cool head and the 12 to 10 favourite won a lot easier than the winning margin might suggest.
The official edge flattered the runner-up and was just a half length in the end, with the winning time for the 1400m clocked at 85,67 secs.
Lanner Falcon stayed on best for second, ahead of Princess Ofthe Sky.
The lovely Double Whammy is a daughter of the promising Varsfontein sire Judpot, and is out of the twice winning Kabool mare, Frida.
Double Whammy is owned in partnership by Joburg-based Warren Laird, who spent the afternoon at a family wedding in Gauteng, and the trainer’s long supporting mother-in-law Judy Wintle.
Double Whammy has now won 3 of 4 starts, with a second place on debut.
She took her stakes earnings with this run to R261 750 and looks to have plenty to bank as she progresses.
And with Kotzen’s retired champion racer Princess Victoria producing a beautiful Silvano first foal at Maine Chance on Friday, the timing of Double Whammy’s arrival in the stakes league looks to be particularly sweet!
