WAR OF ATHENA ROMPS TO SA FILLIES CLASSIC WIN

Brilliant three-year-old filly War Of Athena claimed Saturday’s G1 Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic (1800m) in facile fashion to state her claims to South Africa’s Triple Tiara.

The Paul Matchett trained daughter of Act Of War had previously impressed when winning the first leg of the Triple Tiara, the G2 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas, and is likely to bid to follow in the footsteps of past Triple Tiara winners Igugu, Cherry On The Top and Summer Pudding when she lines up in the third, and final leg of the Triple Tiara, the G2 Wilgerbosdrift SA Oaks later in the season.

Having won her last three races, all graded features, in a row, War Of Athena was all the rage for Saturday’s Turffontein feature and eventually jumped a warm 7-20 tote favourite, having beaten many of her rivals before.

Under regular rider Muzi Yeni, War Of Athena pulled hard early as stablemate Gee For Go (Gimmethegreenlight) set a slow early pace, but when asked the question, War Of Athena quickened past her rivals like they were standing still.

Yeni let his mount pull clear and War Of Athena went away to land the 2021 SA Fillies Classic by over a length and three quarters.

Long shot Netta (15-1), a daughter of Where’s That Tiger, finished second, with Willow Magic filly Magical Flight (33-1), finishing a well beaten third -more than four lengths off the winner.

Bred by Summerhill Stud, War Of Athena claimed her first G1 victory in a time of 111.74 seconds.

A bargain R30 000 buy from the 2019 Ready To Run Sale, War Of Athena has now won seven of 13 starts for earnings of R1 176 300.

She is the first G1 winner to have emerged from the first crop of G1 Cape Guineas winner Act Of War (Dynasty), who also provided an eye catching debut winner on Saturday in the form of Tip Of The Spear.

A half-sister to 3 winners, War Of Athena is by far and away the best horse produced by placed Requiem mare Qaphela.

Image: JC Photos