Trainer Glen Kotzen's Rascova was a super winner of the Western Cape Fillies Championship giving Sandy and Eugene Arundel a first Grade 2 winner in what looked a slow pace but was faster (84.4s) than the class average (85.04s) by 0.6 of a second.

The expertly ridden Rascova (Craig Zackey in the irons) may just be coming of age as she demolished a decent field and has now staked a claim for Grade 1 honours in the Cape Fillies Guineas later on this year. She set the tempo with a front running win and never stopped. She was quick out the gates from a wide 8 draw and then maintained that speed up front almost throughout the contest producing quick sectional after sectional. And the finishing speed of her final 300m was the fastest in the race. Her times show a slight breather from the 600 to the 400m but then she destroyed them in the final 400m. She also had a most optimal trip running a full 3.3 lengths shorter than that of favourite Mrs Geriatrix who had a horror trip. The other horse with a bad trip was the equally disappointing Winter Cloud who never raised a gallop.

Double Grand Slam was backed pre race and she also fired some shots in her finishing effort with the best sectionals between the 600 and the 400 and then the second best to the winner from. 400m to the finish. She also ran a full 3.3 lengths more than the winner who beat her by 3.5 lengths but from draw 2; there was little excuse with Rascova draw 8 and ridden to perfection. Double Grand Slam's drift in the straight outwards was alarming and cost her valuable lengths whilst Rascova took a tighter line home.

Glen Kotzen other runner, Royals, had a great run in transit and finished 3rd with the Gqeberha raider, Lunar Halo, in fourth. That was a smart performance also. Mrs Geriatrix was beaten 5.6 lengths in the end and the writing was on the wall early as Richard Fourie failed to get her into a good position in he race. She was out deep for almost the entire race and failed to quicken sufficiently to bother the placegetters . It was her first defeat ever from her 7 starts. She cannot be written off and even though she was mediocre on her seasonal return last time out, she had major excuses this time around. Her 2 kgs swing coupled with her wide run and extra distance covered still makes her a prospect for future efforts but she isn't invincible as she once was as a two year old. The division has certainly caught up with her.

The run to watch was that of Double Grand Slam who should be all the rage for the Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas and will be the one to Beat there, especially from a good draw. Natural improvement will see is likely the most progressive of this field going forward.

Rascova
Sire: LANCASTER BOMBER (USA)
Dam: NETSUKE
Dam Sire: WESTERN WINTER (USA)
Breeder: Cheveley Stud
Owner: Itssa It & Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd
Trainer Glen Kotzen

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