The undoubted highlight for Crawford Racing during Summer has been the dual Grade 1 victories of Make it Snappy. The Dynasty filly out of Icy Winter Air won both the WSB Cape Fillies Guineas over 1600m and Cartier Paddock Stakes.
Brett Crawford was mightily impressed at the rapid improvement she showed at each successive start. The Hollywood Syndicate owned star went from shedding her Maiden in October 2022 at Durbanville on her second racetrack appearance to reeling off G1’s in early December and again in January 2023 – a remarkable achievement by the Ridgemont Highlands bred filly.
Significantly, when scoring in the Fillies Guineas she provided Luyolo Mxothwa and The Hollywood Syndicate with their first ever Grade 1 win, a feat they would soon enhance upon when downing Captain’s Ransom in the Cartier Paddock Stakes over a furlong further.
Mxothwa has always possessed the strength and bravery to be a top rider – with Brett’s encouragement he’s developed in confidence, tactical skills and judgement of pace to become one of SA’s finest. Luyolo is currently perched 5th on the National Jockeys Log with 85 winners from 536 rides at a robust strike rate of 16%.
Stiptelik deserves an honourable mention for her second in the G2 Cartier Sceptre Stakes where she got pretty close to outstanding filly, Princess Calla. She hails from Barnane Stud and is potently bred by Aussie sensation, Snitzel ex In the Fast Lane.
Classy, Zapatillas is due to for a change of fortune after enduring tough trips in his races yet still somehow managing to show up prominently. His sterling run in the Jet Master Stakes is a case in point where he boldly carried 61kg’s into third. He went down fighting after racing handily from a wide draw when conceding 10kg’s to Pacaya and Quasiforsure.
Top division performer Silvano’s Dasher has also been doing the stable proud. He hammered Quasiforsure in an MR 105 contest in December then repeated the dose at a similar class level a month later with well-performed Imelenzeyokududuma and afore mentioned, Pacaya his victims.
To date, Crawford Racing lies 4th on the S.A.Trainer’s Log. Stakes of R8,543,700 have accrued from the 538 horses saddled to date. This has yielded 71 wins, 173 placings which translates into a laudable 13% win to runner ratio and a rock-solid, 32% place rate.
Other horses that have been worthy contributors include smart three-year-old, Port Louis (a Pinnacle Stakes victor in February) Time Flies who won a FM 95 in November and a Middle Stakes during February, whilst Veldskoen has won two of four starts including a fine win in early March against the track profile from draw 12 over 1250m at Durbanville.
A resurgent, Solar Power is testimony to Brett’s horsemanship. This one has recovered from serious injury and long layoff to record a third win from ten starts. Mufasa is another fickle customer (battles with breathing issues) that has responded well to Crawford’s deft handling. This What a Winter speedball has gamely won two sprints since transferring to the yard.
Meanwhile, James Crawford has been holding the fort in Johannesburg, saddling winners at a steady clip. Island Beauty, Robert Burns (2x), Cullinan Blue and Stolen Thunder have recently been in the No 1 box.
The Highveld operation (50 + horses and growing) is strategically important as it enables Crawford Racing to have a strong presence across all three major centres – from the Cape Town HQ, to Johannesburg for its full and varied year-round program, which is also convenient as a launching pad when attacking KZN during their Winter feature race season.
Thanks to our entire Crawford Team, as well as our owners for a fantastic Cape Season, and now we look forward to the exciting KZN season ahead! Long may our great form continue! Onward and upwards!
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