VERSATILE Alareef won a MR72 Handicap over 1450m at Turffontein on Saturday, following his win over the same distance on sand at the Vaal last month.

Alareef enjoys the handling of apprentice Craig Zackey, who has ridden him to victory on both occasions. He has also won over 1200m at Scottsville.

Alareef wins at Turffontein. (JC Photos).

Alareef, a three-year-old by Stronghold, is owned by Sheikh Hamdan of Dubai. With three wins from nine starts (two after being gelded), he looks progressive.

Izora, considered one of the stable’s better three-year-old fillies last season but laid off due to a throat operation, returned to the track with an impressive win over 1200m at Scottsville on Sunday.

Owned by Mike and Norma Rattray of Lammerskraal Stud, Izora is by Western Winter from Icy Air and can still fulfil her early promise.