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Class mare Welwitschia reclaimed her place among South Africa’s best sprinters when she ran on too strongly for the opposition in the G2 Diadem Stakes at Kenilworth on Saturday.

Crack miler Jackson turned in an eye-catching J & B Met prep with a first-up second while Cap Alright stayed on for third ahead of the favourite Divine Jet.

The Mike de Kock-trained Welwitschia was ready to peak as this was her third run after her end-of-season break.

The field split into two groups soon after the start with Cap Alright leading the inside contingent. Welwitschia tracked him closely with Divine Jet while Jackson was looking on from the rear.

The finish was eventually dominated by the quartet racing towards the inside with Kevin Shea angling the winner into the lead about a furlong with only Jackson making some late inroads from the rear to be beaten just over a length.

Welwitschia's past G1 exploits included placings in the Computaform Sprint, Mercury Sprint and SA Fillies Sprint.

Assistant trainer Mathew de Kock, deputising for his father, said they had decided to take their chances as there was nothing suitable for her in Gauteng at this time of year.

Jackson ran on nicely without being ridden out and is on track for his main summer target, the J & B Met.