KZN-Bred Silver Age Wins Gr 3 Christmas Handicap
| KZN-Bred Silver Age Wins Gr 3 Christmas Handicap |
Silver Age, sold as a yearling for just R40 000, won the Gr 3 Christmas Handicap on Boxing Day at Clairwood from Bulsara. Silver Age remains one of the biggest bargain buys to come out of the old Michael Holmes Yearling Sale that used to be held in Pietermaritzburg.
Breeder Bruce Le Roux was thrilled with the win, and added philosophically that the colt was a ‘steal’ when sold way below value. Silver Age had won the Gr 2 Umkhomazi Stakes as a two year old, winning his fourth race here. He looks a very scopy sort.
Corne Orffer played probably the only card available to him when he gunned Always Al from his wide draw to stretch his field as he charged five lengths clear into the first turn. The odds-on Slumdogmillionaire had jumped keenly and was settled in second, just ahead of Bay Route, Maluti and Orbit War. Silver Age was tucked away at this stage.
Silver Age had been making up ground throughout the home run and Veale produced him just at the right moment. The jubilant jockey saluted on the line, allowing his mount to shift in slightly.
The colt still had them cold though as he went on to win by a half-length in a time of 94 secs. Bulsara finished second, while Always Al ran out of steam late after his early exertions but held on gamely for the third cheque.
Jeff Freedman trained Silver Age, a four year old colt who is a son of Requiem out of the Krusenstern mare, Russian Belle. Russian Belle has produced five runners and four winners, including three-time winner The Padua. Silver Age has an unraced full-sister named Mail Order Bride.
This dam-line includes the likes of eight-time winner Thunder Creek (including the Gr 3 King’s Cup), Gr 2 placed Winona, Gr 2 winner Weston Paint and SA Fillies Nursery Gr 2 winner, Hawaiian Wahoo.
Requiem stands at Bruce Le Roux’s beautiful Spring Valley Stud in KwaZulu-Natal. Silver Age has now won four of 11 starts, for four places and earnings of R376 450.
A Fort Beluga filly out of Russian Belle will be offered at the KZN Yearling Sale in 2013. Bruce described her simply as, ‘beautiful’.
Contact Details:
033-2631992
Email: springvalley@lantic.co.za
Information courtesy of www.sportingpost.co.za
