Trainer Vaughan Marshall has often been seen to the fore in recent years on Scottsville's "Super Saturday"and he added another Gr 1 juvenile feature to his tally when Happy Valentine (SAF) annihilated the opposition in the Allan Robertson Championship. Along Came Polly (SAF) ran a blinder in second, with Masked Lady (SAF) and Sea Cat (SAF) in the minor placings.

Always at the top of the bookmakers' boards, Happy Valentine was soon in the lead as Along Came Polly, Garibondy and Boarding Call tried to keep tabs on her. Winter Fantasy and Princess Julietta were next best, with Masked Lady and Sea Cat further back, the latter racing wider out.

The main action was always likely to unfold towards the inside of the track and so it proved. Happy Valentine gave another kick about 300m out and the race was soon over as a contest. Along Came Polly, who had raced hard up against the inside rail, stuck to her guns and gave chase, while Masked Lady and Sea Cat tried to make some inroads as well, but jockey Sean Veale was able to look over his shoulder 100m out and ease down his mount as the line approached.

Happy Valentine is now unbeaten in two starts and it was hardly a surprise to see her win as she did, as she had won her debut in the style of a serious prospect. She showed plenty of pace here but, as a daughter of Silvano, looks well set to go further in due course. Veale, elated after registering the first Gr 1 victory of his career, revealed after the race that he had been supremely confident after working Happy Valentine during the week and that he had told Marshall before the race that she would not lose.

As for Marshall, an acknowledged master at getting the 2-year-olds ready for the big day, this victory continued his fine record in the juvenile features at this meeting, having tasted success with the likes of Villandry and All Is Secret in recent years.

Along Came Polly had no chance with the winner, but was nevertheless impressive in defeat. Still a maiden, she has been runner-up in both career starts to date, and both have been in feature events. She will surely notch up her maiden victory before long.

Masked Lady turned in a decent effort, as did Sea Cat. They both stayed on stoutly under pressure, suggesting they might soon be seen over a bit more ground.

2 ch f Silvano (GER) - Happy Ever After by National Assembly (CAN)
Messrs A Chemaly & G L O'Brien
Bred by Maine Chance Farms (Pty) Ltd
Winning trainer: Vaughan Marshall