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Val de Ra gives goosies!

Published by charl on March 7, 2010

AVONTUUR-bred filly Val De Ra, by VAR, is one of those rare thoroughbreds that gives one gooseflesh when she runs.

The Denis Drier-trained speed machine, more than once described by jockey Sean Cormack as “a superstar”, took a jump in class to win a Conditions Sprint over 1000m against older fillies and mares at Clairwood on Sunday. She beat 2009 Nursery winner Spring Clover and 2009 Magnolia Handicap winner Purple Lake at level weights, and in great style, quickening in a flash at the 200m mark.

This was Val de Ra’s fourth win in a row and she remains unbeaten. Racing fanatics are already asking for a match race with Sean Tarry’s filly Mana Mou, who seems the only one capable of giving Val de Ra a run for her money on what we’ve seen so far.

Cormack said: “This was her first ime at the course and she was off the bit at the 900m mark. (It didn’t look that way!). When I asked her for something extra she responded immediately.” Then, the Singapore-bound jock seemed at a loss for superlatives.

Drier, who has trained many a good one in his time, commented: “People thought this was a foregone conclusion but she did have to race against a top sprinter like Kom Naidoo’s Purple Lake. We are very pleased.”

Avontuur Stud’s Pippa Mickleburgh said that they had wanted a three-year-old to come through for their stallion VAR and that this was a special moment: “We know what VAR is capable of and he showed it here. We have 20 on offer at the National Yearling Sale and this is very exciting!”