3 minute read

Brilliant three-year-old filly Via Africa, winner of the G1 SA Fillies Sprint on May 25 at Scottsville, might still run in the G1 Mercury Sprint at Clairwood next month.

“She came through the race so well and realistically there are no races for her until the Cape season at the end of the year,” said Duncan Howells.

“We'll nominate her for the Mercury and play it by ear. It will probably depend on how she draws.’’

Howells conceded after her previous defeat in the G1 Computaform Sprint over 1000m at Turffontein that Via Africa had been beaten by the better horse What A Winter, the reigning Equus Champion Sprinter even though she lost two lengths at the start.

What A Winter also beat her in the G1 Cape Flying Championship over 1000m at Kenilworth.

The Clairwood 1000m is not as tough as the Kenilworth 1000, where she was beaten only 0,75 lengths.

Howells said that at this stage an overseas campaign would only be considered for Via Africa in her five-year-old season.

That makes sense as What A Winter is being retired at the end of this season, opening up a number of G1 races for her next season.