Lazer Star stretches clear under Weiho Marwing (JC Photos)
Ormond Ferraris has found another good one. That is judging on a thoroughly convincing professional performance by his Toreador 3yo Lazer Star, who spread-eagled her field to register her first stakes victory and win the R250 000 Gr3 Magnolia Handicap at Turffontein on Saturday.
Weichong Marwing in top form on Saturday
The Tawny Syndicate-bred flyer, who only made her debut in June, made it three wins from three runs as she led for most of the 1160m trip in the Summer Cup day opening feature under a confident ride by Weichong Marwing.
A competitive fifteen-strong field of mixed-age females lined up, including some highly vaunted stakes winners and the smart looking KZN challenger African Dream, who had her supporters out in force bedecked in their orange and black flag.
But African Dream played silly games at the load and while losing no ground at the start, she may have taken the edge off herself and faded late after showing toe.
After last year’s 110 to 1 knockout winner, punters were given a free ticket here as the result was to be a very favourable one.
The field got away to a level break, except for KZN raider Choir Maiden, who was a dawdler.
The weak 4 to 1 tote favourite Lazer Star led Pej down the outside with the troublesome African Dream relaxed after playing games at the start.
Ormond Ferraris – top class job with Lazer Star
Into the 400m, the pacy 3yo continued in cruise mood with Goldie Star and Winter Star getting going.
Lazer Star galloped relentlessly and drew off to beat the late finishing 2013 Ready To Run Cup winner Winter Star by 3,25 lengths in a time of 66,31 secs.
Charles Laird’s Pej stayed on late for a nice third a further 2,25 lengths back with the Mike De Kock-trained Berlinetta a never dangerous fourth.
Lazer Star has a 100% record from her 3 runs and took her earnings to R265 625.
She is by Toreador out of the three-time winning Sri Pekan mare, Empress Of Ozz.
Lazer Star went through the National Yearling Sale ring where the hammer dropped at R350 000.
It is early days, but she looks to have a really bright future.
