The Australian bred Arcetri Pink has always been considered way above average
The Sophomore Fillies 1000 launches the Emerald Cup day feature bill at the Vaal on Saturday and opens an exciting Place Accumulator. Geoff Woodruff holds a powerful hand with two runners but punters should not overlook the fact that we are dealing with some fast improving sorts.
The twelve strong field includes the Gr3 Pretty Polly Stakes winner Arcetri Pink, who was something of a boom 2yo filly when winning her first two starts, before losing the plot over ground.
The Australian bred daughter of Rock Of Gibraltar showed terrific ability at her first two starts, but may not have coped with the stamina test presented to her against the best of her age, when pushed over ground.
Back down to the minimum cut and having her first run at the Vaal and on the sand, she is bound to have plenty of supporters on Saturday.
Her Klawervlei Stud bred stablemate, Not Sulking, is a beautifully bred daughter of Trippi, who has the advantage of experience of the surface.
Not Sulking won over the Vaal turf 1200m and then followed up with a nice second on the sand when staying on well behind Tiger Quest in a Juvenile Plate. If not outpaced and needing the run here, she will be right in the action.
Tiger Quest also runs here again, but blotted her copybook after that win with two unplaced efforts. She was outclassed in the Thekwini, and then went unplaced behind Memeza at the end of August.
The Australian bred filly will be ridden by Piere Strydom, and could bounce back here.
The Wilgerbosdrift bred daughter of Tiger Ridge Glenshee steps out for Mike De Kock and improved steadily to win her maiden at her third outing, when walloping Cayenne over the Scottsville 1200m.
David Rahilly saddles the promising Winter Darling and recent maiden winner,Woodrose.
Winter Darling looks the better after winning her maiden quickly at her second time of asking in great style, when beating Rebel Pose by 4 lengths.
Louis Goosen saddles debut winner She’s A Tiger and the Var flyer, American Pie.
She’s A Tiger won her opening run by 3 lengths in nice style and good time.
American Pie is ridden by Donovan Yeo and may battle after running third in a weak handicap last time.
The Leon Erasmus maiden Crown Bearer has been knocking hard to win, but this will be a lot tougher.
All told, a tough little contest, with the sand being the unknown.
Arcetri Pink is the selection, more on reputation admittedly, to beat Not Sulking and Glenshee.
