By Mark van Deventer
GARRIX, the stylish winner of the Variety Club Mile Gr 3 at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Monday afternoon, has a very bright future.
Now more manageable after being gelded in February, and coming in eager and freshened up by trainer Piet Steyn 49 days after a fine run in the Gr 1 SplashOut Cape Derby when third to the outstanding, Eight on Eighteen, he proved much the best, with 3YO contemporary, LET IT BE SAID held safe in second.
The final time of what appeared to be a fast run mile on softened ground was 99.9 seconds.
“I’m not sure how good he really is – he’s still immature,” said winning rider, Ashton Arries, who was impressed at GARRIX’s acceleration from a handy position as older rivals, MAGIC VERSE, ZAPATILLAS and THE GREY KING dropped out after setting a brisk early pace. The 3YO son of Vercingetorix has now won half his six starts and sports serious upside potential for the winter season, and beyond.
GALLIC DREAM was extremely game in third, with Eric Sand’s trained stablemate, Billy Bowlegs, who blew the start, staying on to round out the order of finish. But classy stalwart, RASCALLION battled from the outer barrier and could only one-pace it up the straight into fifth spot.
BE MERRY took out the Sweet Chestnut Stakes over 1400m under a cagey rail hugging, and typically strong ride from Muzi Yeni. The sedate early fractions set things up perfectly for the progressive daughter of Lancaster Bomber and she used her powers of finishing acceleration to sweep past ultra consistent leader, CALLMEGETERIX.
The winner’s final time was 87,68 and her closing 400m went by in 24 seconds.
BE MERRY
BE MERRY won three on the bounce during Spring ’24, hinting at smart ability over sprints. After two misses since (most recently when cut-into in running at Fairview), she returned to peak form for a Listed victory, vindicating Justin Snaith’s decision to target this filly and mares race over seven panels.
SCARLET MACAW made a bold bid in the middle of the course before her condition gave in late and she was edged out into third. GOLD POKER GAME rounded out the quartet without ever threatening the stylish winner.
