The Gr 1 SA Fillies Sprint promised to be one of the highlights of the season and it duly lived up to that billing. Those who made the trip to Scottsville on Saturday were treated to something special as Duncan Howells's flying machine Via Africa (SAF) made a top-class field look ordinary, simultaneously silencing the doubters who thought she might be found out in her first attempt over 1200m. Festival Of Fire (SAF) was an honourable second with Princess Victoria (SAF) and All Is Secret (SAF) completing the quartet.

As expected, Via Africa was soon in front, with She's A Stunner showing good pace alongside and Jackodore also right up there to the inside. All Is Secret was handy in fourth, with Princess Victoria and Festival Of Fire just behind.

Via Africa was given some rein by Alec Forbes about 400m out and she threw down the gauntlet to the chasing pack, going clear along the inside rail. All Is Secret had the move covered and came out after her, while Princess Victoria started her run as well. Welwitschia, who had been some way back early on, also made up ground to move into contention wider out, while Festival Of Fire was being shaken up to get on terms with the specialist sprinters in front of her.

The moment of truth arrived as they entered the last furlong, with Via Africa venturing into unknown territory in her first attempt beyond 1000m. Any stamina doubts were quickly dispelled. She pulled even further away from her opposition and went on to register a fast 67.68 seconds despite Forbes easing her down as the finish line loomed.

Trainer Howells was understandably pleased with this five-star performance, having exuded confidence in the week leading up to the race, with plenty of assurances that his charge would comfortably get the trip.

"People don't realise just how good this filly is," he said afterwards, adding that there wasn't a filly in the country to match her over the sprint distances. There was no mention made of any international plans for the daughter of Var, but there must surely be a strong temptation to campaign her on the world stage if the frustrating export controls hindering South African racehorses can finally be overcome.

While Via Africa stole the show, there were some perfectly respectable performances in defeat from the placed runners. Festival Of Fire, dropping back in trip after her victory in the KRA Fillies Guineas, ran a fine race in defeat, charging through late to secure the second spot. One assumes that the Garden Province Stakes will be her main target going forward and this run served notice that she will be a leading contender there.

So, too, will last year's Garden Province winner Princess Victoria. She's had a rather troubled season to date, but this was a hugely encouraging performance, especially returning  from a four-month break and considering that 1200m at this track is on the sharp side these days.

All Is Secret weakened late after being up there throughout, but that was understandable after she had tried to keep Via Africa in her sights early on. She eventually found herself blunted by the winner's high cruising speed but, given the calibre of the trio that beat her home, was not disgraced by any means.

3 b f Var (USA) - Bump 'N Grind by Qui Danzig (USA)
Owners: Messrs A J Boshoff & G A Hauptfleisch
Bred by Mr G A Hauptfleisch
Winning trainer: Duncan Howells