The subject of inspired betting support, Justin Snaith’s Little Suzie followed in the hoofprints of her illustrious dam Oh Susanna at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday, who won the then 3yo restricted Grade 1 feature in 2018.
Bred and raced by Drakenstein, Little Suzie stormed home under Sporting Post-sponsored Sean Veale in what looked to be a scrappy race, to deservedly claim honours in the R500 000 Tote Gr2 Woolavington 2000.
Sean Veale salutes as Little Suzie storms home (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
After shedding her maiden certificate at Hollywoodbets Durbanville in September 2024, Little Suzie had shown flashes of serious ability, but found her proverbial mojo in the best way possible on Saturday.
Never too far off the gallop headed by Highveld visitor Indian Ocean, Sean Veale weaved his way through and had the well-backed Snaith runner in front where it mattered, getting the better of a storming My Soul Mate (14-1) by 1,10 lengths in a time of 124,51 secs for the 2000m.
Three of the five Hollywoodbets Durban July entries finished third, fourth and fifth.
Frank Robinson celebrated feature success in the Lonsdale a half hour earlier and he would have been pleased with Mocha Blend (16-1) running a further 0,40 lengths back in third, with Rainbow Lorikeet (4-1) appearing to suffer some traffic issues, but staying on for fourth. Beating Wings was next best a half length back in fifth.
Indian Ocean (6,45 lengths back) and Regeneration (11 lengths) did not impress as big race entries.
Gold Circle Commercial Executive Dean Sawarjath hands Jonathan Snaith the owner’s trophy (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
“I was just grateful to keep the ride. After I rode her in the Guineas recently, I pleaded to get another chance,” said the delighted Sean Veale, who is enjoying a great season.
“She ran from a bad draw in a slow-run Fillies Guineas. You can’t hide from breeding. We couldn’t script this better for a beeder. Well done to Gaynor Rupert and her team – this is special,” added Justin Snaith, who confirmed that the winner was possibly not as good as her Mom, but possessed the same lionhearted spirit.
Little Suzie is a daughter of retired champion Trippi (End Sweep) out of a milestone mare for the Snaiths.
The 2018 Wollavington queen, Street Cry daughter Oh Susanna, who was foaled in Australia, was the family operation’s first Met winner in 2018 – when ridden by Grant van Niekerk – and was the first 3yo filly in 100 years to win the Cape flagship. She went on to SA Horse Of The Year honours.
Oh Susanna’s dam Sharp Susan was an A$1 million sales topper at a broodmare sale in Australia, and was bought in foal to champion stallion Street Cry, the sire of the two brilliant mares Winks and Zenyata. Sharp Susan lost the foal but Sheik Mohammed, owner of Darley Australia, kindly gave a free return service to Street Cry – the resulting foal was Oh Susanna.
Oh Susanna’s half brother Sharp Frank, a magnificent looker with an equally brilliant pedigree became the first Frankel to retire to stud in South Africa. He stands at Drakenstein.
Little Suzie has now won 2 races with 3 places from 8 starts for stakes of R534 788.
