The Twice Over filly Moon In June sent out a positive omen for Vodacom Durban July hat-trick hopeful Do It Again when she stormed home in the bright yellow Bernard Kantor silks to win the delayed R150 000 Gr2 Track & Ball Oaks at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday.
The biggest outsider in the field, Moon In June (75-1) came from near last in a slow run race to get the better of the class Cape challenger Kelpie (10-1), in a blow for Pick 6 and Jackpot players.
Craig Zackey steers Moon In June to a surprise victory ahead of Kelpie (Anton Marcus) at Hollywoodbets Greyville (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
Craig Zackey, who won the Oaks last year on Seville Orange, lost out on that ride and clearly knew that his mount would need to run out of her skin, to earn in this field.
But after an unplaced effort in the Listed East Coast Cup last time out, Moon In June appeared to enjoy the sprint for home and she ran on doggedly to score the surprise, beating Kelpie by just under a length in a time of 151,62 secs.
Gauteng raider Ballet Shoes looked to have a shout late but had to be satisfied with third cheque, with the favourite Chitengo finishing 3,60 lengths back in fourth.
Trained by Robbie and Shannon Hill, the winner was bred anhd is raced by Bernard Kantor.
Moon In June is a daughter of Twice Over (Observatory) out of the stakes winner Kingmambo mare, Moon Dazzle – a half sister to stallion Dupont.
She has won 4 races with 5 places from 16 starts for stakes of R357 725.
