WOROOD and Headstrong (headline photo) were impressive feature winners for the stable on Emerald Cup Day at the Vaal, Saturday. Both were ridden by Anthony Delpech.

Worood was all the rage for the Sophomore Fillies 1000 and went off at 11-20. She slipped when jumping from the gates but caught up effortlessly. Delpech sent her into gap between horses and said: “When she saw daylight I let her go, it was too early but she was travelling so well I didn’t want too hold her back. She’s talented!”

Worood won easily despite slipping at the start. (see Video Feature on home page for a race replay).

Worood won by 1.50 lengths, easing down, and Mike said of Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum’s filly: “She showed nothing in the beginning and Iwas worried, but she’s improved dramatically.”

Headstrong had never raced on the sand but she made light work of her task in the Listed Emerald Total Rewards Fillies Handicap over 1450m.

Mary Slack’s filly started 33-10 favourite and was always travelling well under Delpech. He took her to the front quite a long way out and she never looked in danger of losing.

“Headstrong was working well and I was confident today,” said Mike. “Mary is a soldier. We don’t always get top horses like this one, but she comes back every time and tries again. She deserves every bit of success,” Mike commented.

Storm Crossing went off favourite for the Grade 2 Emerald Cup and while he couldn’t get into a challenging position from a poor draw, he acquitted himself well in finishing third behind Iron Curtain and Alimony. (see Video Feature on home page for a race replay).

Immelman looks like one to follow in the near future. He caught the eye with a good second place to Forest in an 1800m handicap.  ”I think he will do better when tried over even further,’’ said Mike.