Cherry On The Top stole the show at Turffontein on Saturday as she became only the second filly in history, after the mighty Igugu, to complete the Triple Tiara. Trainer Ormond Ferraris's charge proved too good for the opposition as she registered a comfortable victory in the Gr2 Wilgerbosdrift  SA Oaks over 2450m at the expense of Do You Remember, Jet Belle and Sky Pirate. 

Moikavano went out to make the early running from Rue Di Rivoli, Princess Line, Secret Obsession and Cherry On The Top. Sky Pirate was next best, with Do You Remember further back and Jet Belle at the rear.   

Moikavano brought them in for home and was soon under pressure. Princess Line and Sky Pirate moved in with Do You Remember also starting to make up ground. All eyes were on Cherry On The Top but jockey Nooresh Juglall was determined to make his move as late as possible. He finally let her go about 300m out and the odds-on favourite responded willingly. She took command and the race was over as a contest despite the very game efforts of Do You Remember and Jet Belle.   

Cherry On The Top has now won eight of her 11 starts and deserves the accolades that come her way for a truly brilliant achievement. To win three graded events spanning distances from a mile to 2450m in the space of two months is the mark of  a special thoroughbred and she will be a huge drawcard wherever she goes from here.

For trainer Ormond Ferraris and jockey Nooresh Juglall the result must have been as much a relief as it was a source of elation. The pressure would have  been immense building up to the race and they can now celebrate  and reflect on what is undoubtedly a career highlight for each of them.

The winner's sire Tiger Ridge stands, fittingly enough, at sponsors Wilgerbosdrift and she races in the famous black and yellow silks of Mrs  Bridget Oppenheimer.

While all the attention was understandably focused on Cherry On The Top, one can certainly propose an honourable mention for the pair that chased her home. Do You Remember finished second in all three legs of the Tiara, which was no disgrace while Jet Belle, inexperienced and taking a steep jump in class also acquitted herself  by finishing third in the last two legs. 

CHERRY ON THE TOP
3bF Tiger Ridge (USA) - Carolina Cherry by Fort Wood (USA).

BRED BY: Mauritzfontein Stud.
OWNED BY: Mrs B D Oppenheimer.