RAIN STORMS TO VICTORY IN SA FILLIES CLASSIC

The Sean Tarry trained Rain In Holland confirmed the merit of her win last time out in the G2 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas when she won the G1 Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic (1800m), the second leg of the Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara, at Turffontein on Saturday afternoon.

Bred and owned by Drakenstein Stud, Rain In Holland is now poised to land the 2022 Triple Tiara, with the third and final leg coming up as the G2 Wilgerbosdrift SA Oaks.

Saturday’s SA Fillies Classic was delayed after stormy weather prevented the race from getting underway at the scheduled starting time.

There was drama before the start of the SA Fillies Classic when outsider Supreme Quest reared up badly in the starting stalls and was withdrawn after being injured.

Definitely Maybe went out to lead, with favourite Desert Miracle and Rain In Holland racing midfield early on.

The front running Definitely Maybe set a scorching pace up front, with Clafoutis racing in second spot.

The front runner, inevitably, ran out of puff as the field turned for home, as S’Manga Khumalo coaxed Desert Miracle to the front.

However, the favourite was quickly swallowed up as Rain In Holland launched her run, under Richard Fourie, down the outside of the track.

From there, the Tarry trained three-year-old powered away to score impressively by three and a quarter lengths with Elusive Fort filly Sprinkles game in second, and Perfect Witness running on late to get third.

Favourite Desert Miracle appeared to find the 1800 trip too far and only managed fourth.

Last season’s Equus Champion 2YO Filly, Rain In Holland claimed Saturday’s first place prize of R781 250 in a time of 112.85 seconds.

The filly, who has now won seven of 11 starts including the 2021 G1 Thekwini Stakes, is one of 48 stakes winners sired by deceased Cartier Champion Duke Of Marmalade.