Punters were left feeling mauled in the Gr 3 Prix Du Cap over 1400m at Kenilworth on Sunday as 22/1 shot Croc Valley (SAF) flew up late to land the biggest win of her career. It didn't get much better as far as the placings were concerned, with fellow outsiders Street Runner (SAF), Silver Apples (SAF) and Ocean's Swift (SAF) following her home.
Flaming Alice broke the line best but she was soon passed by Fragrant Al who tacked across from a poor draw. Trinity House settled well enough in third ahead of Ocean's Swift, Silver Apples and Street Runner with Croc Valley held up at the rear.
Trinity House moved up smartly about 400m out and looked well set to kick away from her opposition but it soon became clear that she wasn't going on with her effort. Fragrant Al was still hanging in there but Ocean's Swift looked the biggest danger up the centre with Silver Apples also in contention. The real action was about to unfold on the standside rail, though: Street Runner kicked on nicely and got her head in front but Croc Valley, racing widest of all, was in full cry and she took off late to mow them down and win going away.
Form students will no doubt feel aggrieved at the result with none of the more proven runners producing the goods on the day. Croc Valley is no slouch, having finished fourth in the Cape Fillies Guineas of her year, and she has been bumping some stiff opposition throughout her career. However, her recent form was far too patchy for her to be backed with much confidence and it's understandable that she was allowed to go off at such long odds. She has a pleasing pedigree, however, and this win will certainly have enhanced her paddock value.
Street Runner and Silver Apples have both shown some fair form but looked to have a bit to do, stepping up in class. So did Ocean's Swift, for that matter, who ran a blinder in the circumstances considering she went off at 50/1.
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