The Australian-bred Leaves Of Grass took full advantage of her favourable draw and handy weight to register a welcome first stakes success with a last gasp victory in the R150 000 Listed Jamaica Handicap at Kenilworth on Friday.
Greg Cheyne gets Leaves Of Grass up in the final stride (Pic – Chase Liebenberg Photography)
The Highlands-sponsored Greg Cheyne is not the world’s most vigorously animated rider at the best of times, and time stood near still as he displayed a cool head – and some fine judgement – on the Kieswetter family and Ridgemont Racing-owned filly. The 4yo skipped up the outside of the track to make ground and register an impressive victory over a distance probably short of her best.
A solid pace was set by the strong-galloping Alado mare Adorada for much of the race as Leaves Of Grass relaxed five lengths off the pace from her nice draw on the rail. Into the home run Adorado faded out as Cheyne switched Leaves Of Grass to the centre of the track for a clear run.
With Baroness Mary threatening as a likely winner late, Leaves Of Grass finished best of all to win by a neck in a time of 124,59 secs.
The lead in (Pic – Chase Liebenberg Photography)
Her stablemate Raya Baya – also a product of Australia – ran on nicely down the rail to pip the dangerous looking Baroness Mary for second.
Local longshot Midnight Moonlight was not disgraced in fourth
Post-race party (Pic – Chase Liebenberg Photography)
Trainer Candice Bass-Robinson, who enjoyed a good day at the office, said that Leaves Of Grass had strengthened up nicely. “This was her target. She should get 2400m and will definitely go to KZN for the season. She will make a nice broodmare when her chance comes,” she added.
A winner of 3 races with 7 places from 13 starts, Leaves Of Grass has earned R303 150. She looks a bargain buy by Paul Lafferty off the Gold Front Thoroughbreds draft for A$15 000 off the 2015 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale.
