Cape racing made a welcome return at Kenilworth on Wednesday, with the Ridgemont Racing speed star Run Fox Run producing the performance of the afternoon with a cracking victory in a high-class Pinnacle Stakes and she could now be headed to Hollywoodbets Scottsville for the Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint.
Beaten only once in six starts – and then with excuses in a star studded Gr1 Cape Flying Championship – Run Fox Run showed her oodles of class when Ridgemont jockey Greg Cheyne almost nonchalantly produced her at the 350m in the 1000m contest, loaded with Gr1 males.
Greg Cheyne pushes Run Fox Run out with the hands to an easy win over Fabian, with replacement rider Joshwin Solomons in the saddle (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
Pushed out with the hands, the priceless daughter of Foxwedge strode out beautifully and held off the 20-1 shot Fabian to win by a half length in a time of 61,03 secs.
The win saw owner Wayne Kieswetter hit the lead on the Cape champion owner log!
An A$420,000 Inglis Easter purchase for Craig Roscoe and Brett Crawford from the Mill Park draft, Run Fox Run was the most expensive yearling by her sire sold at that sale. She is a half-sister to stakes-winner Guard of Honour and is the third winner from the General Nediym mare Victory Cry, a full sister to stakes-winner Victory Chant and half-sister to stakes-winner Reldas from the family of GrI winner Serious Speed.
Cheyne geared her down at the line and it was a flawless victory to make it six wins in seven starts for stakes of close on R600 000.
Trainer Brett Crawford described the winner as ‘a special filly’.
“She showed her class and Greg (Cheyne) rode her beautifully. Thanks to the Ridgemont team for their support and to her breeders in Australia,” said Crawford, confirming that a tilt at the SA Fillies Sprint at Hollywoodbets Scottsville could be an option.
Ridgemont sponsored jockey Greg Cheyne said it was a privilege to ride a filly of her calibre. Cheyne, who has won the SA Fillies Sprint three times, said she was up with the best.
Greg Cheyne – was a good day
It proved a great comeback day for the Ridgemont-Cheyne-Crawford partnership after the Highlands-bred Dynasty gelding Yorktown found his best form from a wide draw to doddle in for an effortless win in the MR 86 Handicap two races earlier.
The big yards dominated with Candice Bass-Robinson saddling a treble, two of which were ridden by Aldo Domeyer.
Justin Snaith and Richard Fourie celebrated a double, while Paarl-based duo Glen Kotzen and his fearless rider Morne Winnaar produced the swooping finish of the day courtesy of Sockeroo, who flew from the clouds to nab Midnight Badger on the line in the fourth.
