The well-bred Dynasty filly Madonna booked her SA Champions Season ticket and a possible berth in the Woolavington 2000 with an eyecatching victory in Friday’s Listed East Cape Oaks at Fairview.
After the locals had held their own in the Glenlair Trophy a half hour earlier, the Cape raiders were back in the driving seat in the Oaks.
Justin Snaith and Glen Kotzen produced the goods with a thrilling finish that saw Madonna hold off the low-flying Snapscan by a head in a time of 125.09 secs.
Ryan Munger times it perfectly as Madonna thwarts a late threat from Bernard Fayd’herbe on Snapscan (Pic – Pauline Herman Photography)
Ryan Munger took the ride from the indisposed Aldo Domeyer and rode a well-judged race after Madonna had hit the front a fraction early and looked to have had enough.
“I watched her replays after Mr Snaith messaged me to offer me the ride. Tough luck to Aldo Domeyer Domeyer and I hope he is back soon. Madonna gave me a good feel and I feel she could hold her own against stronger,” said Munger, who had earlier ridden a winner for Alan Greeff and a double for Yvette Bremner, to make it four on the day.
Chris Snaith – complimented jockey Ryan Munger
Senior assistant trainer Chris Snaith headed the travelling party and confirmed that it was a good ride.
“I complimented him. It is not easy to keep them going like that. And a big thanks to Gaynor Rupert. She really has given us some beautiful horses to train – and this looks like another one,” said the veteran horseman.
Madonna started a 14-10 favourite and was a popular winner. The highly rated local Just Chaos tired late and ran third a further 3,25 lengths back.
A daughter of Dynasty (Fort Wood), the Drakenstein Stud-bred Madonna is out of the Rambo Dancer mare, Prestine Performer – which makes her a half sister to SA Derby winner Seal and Jet Master Stakes winner Fifty Cent.
She has won 3 races with 3 places from her 7 starts for stakes of R224 050.
