THE stable came close to winning the Sansui Summer Cup over 2000m for the 10th time when Il Sanpietro finished a close second to Dancewiththedevil at Turffontein on Saturday. Rudra ran on for third, Flirtation finished seventh and Perana just missed a minor stake cheque.

Mike de Kock commented: “Il Sanpietro ran a cracker, he gave his best and was just outpaced late. I’m not sure whether we’ll go for the J&B Met next, because it’s a fast-run 2000m which may not suit him in a quality line-up like the Met. The J&B Reserve Stayers is an option on the same day.

“Rudra is a game stalwart of the yard, he ran his heart out and banked another cheque for his owners. It’s tricky to place him now, we’ll play it by ear.

“Flirtation looked well and ran well, she’s taken time to come back to her very best but this was an encouraging show from her.

“Perana ran a better race, he moved up well and faded late, but we’re running out of excuses for him, it’s becoming worthless debating what his problems could be.”

Gibraltar Blue and Link Man finished second and third respectively in the Merchants Sprint and Mike said: “They’re well on target for the Queen’s Plate. Gibraltar Blue tried  hard and was beaten under a length, Link Man was last going through the 400m and still managed to finish in the money. This was a super run from him.”

Photo: Dancewiththedevil beats Il Sanpietro in the 2011 Sansui Summer Cup. (JC Photos).