S A NURSERY (Grade 1) - CLOTH OF CLOUD maintains unbeaten record after brilliant run

The two year old filly, CLOTH OF CLOUD, confirmed her class when she beat the "boys" in emphatic style thereby maintaining her unbeaten record after three starts. She was confidently ridden by S'Manga Khumalo, who rode a determined race. There were some anxious moments at the start when she was subject to a vet check after she played up in the stalls. Stable companion, FLYING MYTH, sat down in the stalls and was duly scratched. The third Sean Tarry runner, RIGHTFUL KING, also played up inside the stalls.

Things did not get any better for CLOTH OF CLOUD as she lost a length or so at the start and midway through the race her supporters must have thought that her race was done. RIVARINE and HE'S A VAR were the first to show and set a good gallop. By the time they reached the halfway mark and a further 600m to go, CLOTH OF CLOUD, was about five lengths back. It was looking more and more likely that the Mike Azzie trained RIVARINE was going to win.At the 200m mark the favourite was closing in fast and with 100m to go the two year old filly had confirmed her class and the support shown for her. RIVARINE ran a great race in second and his chances of winning a Grade 1 should not be underestimated. DOUBLE APPEAL and OUTSHINE both ran in their immediate post maiden runs and made appeal. HE'S A VAR faded badly and was a spent force in the second half of the race.

CLOTH OF CLOUD is now unbeaten after three starts and has won just under R800 000. One wonders whether she will contest any races during the Durban Winter Season over the next three months or so.

CLOTH OF CLOUD 2bF Captain Al - Our Table Mountain (USA) by Fusaichi Pegasus (USA).

BRED BY: Highlands Farms Stud (Pty) Ltd.

OWNED BY: Mrs Paul Shanahan, Messrs M J Jooste, B Kantor and C J H van Niekerk and Mrs D Nagle.