Two Cape raiders from different stables but both owned and bred by Drakenstein Stud dominated proceedings in the R80 000 Oaks Plate at Fairview on Friday.
Arabian Winter (Grant Van Niekerk) holds off a gallant challenge from Entrechat (S’manga Khumalo) in the Oaks Plate (Pic – Coastal Photos)
Only seven 3yo fillies lined up in the supporting feature and it was left to the two raiders to produce the fireworks.
Milnerton based Mike Bass took three runners to the Eastern Cape for the Friday meeting and after Limpopo River had been beaten into second in her maiden effort earlier on, the veteran didn’t miss with his next two producing a welcome feature double.
The consistent Arabian Winter hovered around 9-10 before jumping at even money, with Justin Snaith’s Entrechat fancied at 22-10.
With the latter slow away, it was Lady Marshall who dashed off to lead local hope Love Everlasting, with Arabian Winter loping along in third. S’manga Khumalo had Entrechat relaxed at the back.
Into the home run, Lady Marshall was quick to hand in her resignation as Grant Van Niekerk cruised into the lead at the 300m on Arabian Winter.
Khumalo had woken Entrechat up and after having to switch between runners, the Captain Al filly chased Arabian Winter to the line.
The attention seemed to wake Arabian Winter up and ridden with the hands she maintained her advantage to a half length in a time of 113,31 secs.
Entrechat ran a cracker after giving start and being out of her ground – she can be followed with her third win surely around the corner.
The Corne Spies yard maintained their form with the usually speedy Silvan Jazz showing she has some scope and that she stays the 1800m.
Arabian Winter is a daughter of the deceased champion sire Western Winter and is out of the lightly raced two-time winner Arabian Pearl (by Al Mufti).
She has been consistent since winning her maiden three runs back and has now won twice with five places and took her stakes earned to R150 350.
