Varsfontein flagbearer Sandringham Summit reaffirmed his luminary status at Turffontein on Saturday when he became only the second 3yo in over two decades to win the R500 000 TAB Gr2 Hawaii Stakes, in the process giving regular pilot Gavin Lerena a third winner on the big day.
Sandringham Summit gives regular pilot Gavin Lerena a third winner on Champions Day! (Pic – JC Photos)
The cucumber cool Hollywoodbets-sponsored Turffontein trainer David Niewenhuizen wrapped up the smashing colt’s SA Champions Season prep in the best possible style, when he brought him back from the 1800m of the SA Classic to win a cracker over the 1400m.
Sandringham Summit righted the ship for favourite backers on a day that started disastrously, as he stormed home down the middle after Unzen had led for a long way, and put 1,25 lengths between himself and accomplished contemporary Lucky Lad (11-2) in a time of 85,69 secs.
Mike de Kock’s gutsy Danon Platina White Pearl (5-1) stayed on for third, a further 1,75 lengths back, to make it a top three cleans sweep for the sophomore generation.
The winner was bred by Varsfontein Stud and is out of the Captain Al mare Townsend.
Townsend is a half-sister to Gr1 Champions Challenge winner Regal Ransom and hails from the female line of Gr2 Guineas winner Zapatillas and Gr2 Dingaans second Shoemaker, both of whom were bred at Varsfontein.
Originally purchased for R1,7 million off the National Yearling Sale, Sandringham Summit has been syndicated for stud and has now won 5 of his 10 starts with 5 places and stakes of R2 224 750.
The Champions Day R2 million carryover Pick 6 pool reached R5 959 803 – some way short of the R8 million target.
