A Change of tactics brought a change of fortune for five-year-old mare Flirtation, who captured the Gr2 Colorado King Stakes (R300,000) over 2000m at Turffontein on Saturday from Galanthus and stablemate Safwan.

Early in the race, jockey Gavin Lerena moved Flirtation (33-10) into second place behind the pacemaker Seal, who ambled along until they swung into the home bend, at which point Lerena had Flirtation well balanced and quickly into stride in the centre of the track.

She took up the running fully 600m out and kept going gamely to thwart a late run from Galanthus, posting the fifth win of her career.

Flirtation hadn’t made it to the winner’s enclosure in 12 starts since her beating of Mother Russia in the 2010 Summer Cup and her return to her best course and distance must also have played a role in her success.

Mike de Kock, on course, commented: “This was Flirtation’s third run following a rest and we changed tactics, racing her handy instead of letting her run from off the pace. She was getting into a scrap running on from behind.”

Lerena said: “The race was a bit of a canter early and it turned into a sprint, she handled it well.”

Flirtation, by Silvano from French Treasure, is owned by Costa and Billy Anne Livanos. She has earned R2,2 million from 20 outings. 

Headline photo by JC Photos: Flirtation holds off Galanthus.