Starting as a 5-10 favorite and even shorter in places and running over what is perceived to be her preferred 1400m distance, Double Grand Slam surged late to win the Gr2 Tibouchina Stakes at Greyville on a cloudy day at Greyville with a penetrometer reading of 23.
Highveld raider and Tony Peter inmate Bavarian Beauty took the lead, closely followed by the usually handy Humdinger and Gimme A Shot, while Double Grand Slam settled comfortably in the middle of the pack.
As the race headed into the straight, record searching Richard Fourie urged Double Grand Slam on, and she responded with an impressive burst of speed like she did when taking out the Umzimkhulu Stakes earlier in the season at the same track and distance. Piere Strydom pushed Humdinger (6/1), but they couldn't match Double Grand Slam's finishing power even though she didn't look like she was stopping herself.
The Snaith-trained filly asserted her dominance, with a jubilant Fourie celebrating at the finish line, clocking in at 84.33 seconds and winning by 1.20 lengths. She won the Umzimkhulu in 84.74, I slightly stickier conditions. Fourie himself broke the all time South African Jockeys win record with this victory.
Bavarian Beauty (13/1) held on for third, trailing another 1.40 lengths behind but was not disgraced at all.
Double Grand Slam, purchased for R1m at the National Yearling Sale, was named by Gary Player after his golfing exploits of having won both of the 4 majors on the normal tour and the seniors tour.
With 5 wins and 4 places from 11 starts, Double Grand Slam has earned R1,008,263 in stakes.
Double Grand Slam
Sire: VERCINGETORIX
Dam: PRINCESS PEACH
Dam Sire: CAPTAIN AL
Breeder: Varsfontein Stud
Owner: Messrs D D MacLean & G J Player & Mrs S Viljoen
Born: 4 September 2020
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