The Cape raiders sent another warning of their silverware intentions in the forthcoming SA Champions Season when Adam Marcus’ top-class Princess Calla bounced back off a respectable fifth behind Rainbow Bridge in the Cape Town Met to win Sunday’s R150 000 Gr3 Umzimkhulu Stakes at Hollywoodbets Scottsville.
Back after a nine week break, Princess Calla was said to be 75 to 80% right but considered good enough to win – and so she did in professional workmanlike fashion.
Stalking Gauteng visitor Spice Market all the way around, Anton Marcus set the odds-on Princess Calla alight at the 300m and the daughter of Flower Alley drew away to beat Caya Coco (5-1) by just over two lengths in a time of 84,31 secs.
Princess Calla coasts to victory under Anton Marcus (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
Keep The Lights on (9-1) came out of the pack to secure third, a short head away.
Trainer Adam Marcus paid compliments to assistant Lorrenzo Karriem and ‘Uncle Ant’ (Anton Marcus) who had done all the hard work as he had only arrived in the province five days earlier.
Adam confirmed his charge is a filly with a lot of class.
“She impressed with this effort. She quickened well and I’m glad this is out of the way and we can move forward. Her next stop is likely to be the KZN Fillies Guineas – but there are plenty of options in this season.”
Uncle Anton Marcus confirmed that Princess Calla has enjoyed ‘a helluva lot of undivided attention’.
“She got the job done. This was a good gallop and a blowout,” added the former champion jockey.
Bred by Maine Chance Farms, Princess Calla was purchased for R600 000 at the Cape Premier Yearling Sale. She has won 3 races with 3 places from 7 starts for stakes of R422 500.
She is a daughter of international stakes proven sire Flower Alley and is out of the four-time winning Captain Al mare Princess Royal.
A son of Distorted Humor, Flower Alley has 12 lots on offer at the forthcoming 2021 BSA National Yearling Sale.
