Kilindini leads a strong pack home in Guineas
– Racing. It’s A Rush.
The Cape’s Summer Of Champions kicked off at Kenilworth last weekend with the fillies battling it out in the Grade 1 WSB Fillies Guineas. On Saturday it was the turn of the colts in the Grade 1 Cape Guineas over 1600m and they didn’t disappoint. In a competitive field in which the betting reflected chances to many, Corne Orffer and Kilindini took the lead as they turned for home and that is exactly where they stayed!
The Brett Crawford trained son of Silvano sat comfortably in second for majority of the race, cruising past front runner Viking Moon as they turned into the home straight to open up an impressive three length lead. Despite a diminishing distance at the finish, Kilindini fought on valiantly to keep second placed Viva Rio and stable companion, Macthief, at bay in third.
It was an all-Cape affair with Crawford, Glen Kotzen and Justin Snaith completing the quartet. The best of the Johannesburg contenders was Eden Roc who finished in fifth under Gavin Lerena – the tote favourite at the jump and one of four Sean Tarry runners in the race. The finish wasn’t the only electrifying element of the day with racegoers dressed to the nines in carnival-inspired attire and live bands – including The Kiffness and Majozi – who kept Kenilworth buzzing as part of the Cirque Royale collaboration with Fashion Clubbers. This inaugural event is hopefully set to become a feature on the Cape racing calendar as Racing it’s a Rush continues to build relationships with lifestyle specialists and brands such as Raddison Red, Graham Beck, Gordons Gin, Red Bull, Peroni and Cruise Vodka, whose involvement in the gin and beer garden made the race day a resounding success.
For the racing enthusiasts, the Premier Trophy had the crowd on their feet as they waited in anticipation for Hawwaam to show off his ability. He never let them down and cruised home victorious – making his presence felt in no uncertain terms. The Cirque Royale themed race day was an exhilarating way to wrap up the feature race calendar for 2019 and serves as an exciting taste of the action to come in 2020 as the #SummerOfChampions continues with the L’Ormarins Queens Plate and the Sun Met.