Spring Valley’s resident sire Just As Well earned a double yesterday at the Vaal, with two year old colt Chilli Con Carne winning his second start after placing second previously, and Just Africa adding to the day to get his second career win.
Trained by Lucky Houdalakis, Chilli Con Carne won in a blistering gallop by close to five lengths over 1400m under jockey Ian Sturgeon. Owned by Michael Leaf, the colt has definitely stamped himself as one to watch in the future. He is out of Windrush mare Wonder Glow, herself a half-sister to six winners including Stakes Winners West Cigar and Brooke Logan. This is also the damline of Gr1 Gold Cup winner Valley Dancer and top 3YO filly, Up The Creek.
Gr1 performed Just Africa, trained by Paul Peter and owned by Messrs H C N da Costa & T P Zackey & Hyperpaint Syndicate (Nom: Mr G T Peter) completed the double, bred by Bruce Le Roux, the three year old gelding is out of a Stratum mare, Hallo Africa. This is his second career win to date, and placing three times previously including second to the speedy Thrust.
From small crops to date Just As Well’s figures have been impressive. Since 23 February he has had eight places and two wins, three of them close up second places.
Just As Well is represented at the upcoming National Yearling Sale in April by the first foal from 10-time (and Stakes winning) Kahal mare Pisces Star, her first foal, selling as Lot 261 from Roski Stud. Spring Valley Stud have a very exciting speedy prospect on offer, also a first produce from Toreador mare Beautiful Princess – a three-time winner herself and an own sister to sprinting sensation Lazer Star – a dazzling seven time winner with a Gr2 and Gr3 amongst her victories. The unnamed colt is being offered as Lot 6.
One of Just As Well’s best performed horses to date is Well In Flight, a two time winner from only five starts, in training with Dennis Drier, who finished three lengths off Silver Mountain in the Gr2 Choice Carriers Championship.
From only 23 progeny to race to date (and only 16 registered to race in the first year), 11 are winners and achieved 37 places amongst them to date.
Immaculately bred and a multiple Group winner, Just As Well is by A.P Indy out of No Matter What by Nureyev. He descends from the female line of E Dubai and Raven’s Pass.
UPDATE: Just As Well had another super winner the day after this at Greyville, with Roski-bred Just Smoke Em winning her second start for trainer Mark Dixon, over 1600m by almost two lengths. Well done to all concerned!