Feature Racing at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth was strongly contested!
Heavy odds-on favourite, GARRIX prevailed in a gripping three-way in the Legal Eagle Stakes Gr 3 over 1800m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on a sublime Autumn afternoon. After securing an ideal rail hugging trip in fourth spot, he was all out down the long straight to overhaul leader, Otto Luyken who was a winner everywhere except at the wire, and so nearly caused a 75/1 boil over. Classy stayer, Mucho Dinero rushed home late in the piece to be third only a head back.
Winning rider Gavin Lerena who swept all three features on the card had this to say about GARRIX, “He moved up well, then hit a flat spot and had to fight for the win. Maybe the second run after a rest and gelding caught him. He is a lovely horse but still mentally and physically immature. We will see the best of him next season.”
DREAMWORLD scored in the Winter Nursery Gr 3 over 1100m, going all the way. The determined, One World colt had to fend off challengers from both sides as Absolutely Yes was a persistent threat in the centre of the course and All the Rage launched a concerted bid down the inner.
DREAMWORLD was bred at Avontuur Thoroughbred Farm and is trained by Vaughan Marshall, who has won many Nursery’s over the years. Said Lerena of his strong galloping mount, “DREAMWORLD gave it to me right to the line and has so much courage.” The victor’s starting price was 33/10.
Defending champ, TIME FOR LOVE repeated in the Ladies Mile Listed Race under the self-same, Lerena – stalking and then overhauling leader Callmegeterix. 25/1 longshot, Gimmethatpearl snuck third over Fun Zone, Kinda Wonderful and Gold Poker Game in the tussle for the placings.
The winner, who went off at odds of 9/2, is a 5yo Time Thief mare. She was turned out in fine fettle after a 99-day break by the Crawford/Rix stable. This was the resolute, TIME FOR LOVE’S fourth victory from 17 starts, which have also yielded ten places.
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Image credit to Chase Liebenberg
