Two-from-two into the big weekend

The stable enjoyed a 100% strike rate at the Vaal on Thursday – two winners from two runners going into a big Gauteng racing weekend – and took its seasonal tally to 62 winners.

Sosoru is described as a ‘a bit of a tricky customer’, but there were two encouraging aspects about his 1000m win in Race 1. He appeared to come under pressure at the 400m and then kicked away nicely, and clocked 57,37s, a competitive time on the day.

Jockey Callan Murray said: “Sosoru is not the easiest of rides. He’s a ball of speed and we decided to use it today. He’s a young horse, still strengthening, and his demeanour might limit him to sprinting. When he strengthens up, he will win more races.”

Assistant trainer David Dlamini said that the Lucky Fish-sponsored team had done specific training at home to get Sosoru to settle, including changing his bit.

Sosoru races for the Muragasa family. He is a son of Vercingetorix and Intriguing Lady, by New Approach, bred by Al Adiyat.

Callan also booted home Destiny Of Fire to an impressive win in Race 7 over 1450m. He felt that he was to blame for the filly’s disappointing comeback run at Turffontein last month, but she probably just needed the run too.

Callan said: “She jumped very well, which she doesn’t always do, and I had the run of the race. Mat was a bit concerned that she might still be in need of it, but I liked the way she extended. She’s a filly with a few niggles, but when she’s on top of them, she is pretty good.”

Destiny Of Fire races in partnership for Mike de Kock and Chris Haynes. She is by Master Of My Fate out of the stakes winner Festival Of Fire, who raced for her breeder the late Lady Chryss O’Reilly.