MODERN Muse (photo) and Ertijaal completed a double for the stable at Turffontein on Sunday, both Australian-bred runners tried over more ground and both signalling that even further would suit them too.

Mary Slack’s filly Modern Muse stayed on well over 1400m on her Highveld debut recently and she found the 1800m of an MR68 well to her liking, winning by two lengths which could possibly have been three or four if she’d put everything into her run.

Modern Muse: Comfortable win.

Jockey Raymond Danielson commented: “Modern Muse didn’t want to take the bit and run so I had to scrub her along. When she hit the front she looked around, she’s immature and will improve, there is more to come from her.”

Modern Muse is a three-year-old by Encosta De Lago from a Redoute’s Choice mare and is another that may be able to win again soon since her merit rating has only been adjusted by four points to 82.

Three-year-old colt Ertijaal, who was mighty impressive when winning his Maiden over 1400m on Greyville’s Polytrack by near eight lengths last month, staked an early claim for next year’s feature events with another effortless win, first time on turf and first time over 2000m.

Ertijaal (Gavin Lerena) skated home by 8.25-lengths in a MR71 Handicap this time, wholly unextended and prompting the race caller to note that he didn’t actually belong in a race like this. Those words will probably be prophetic as Ertijaal progresses this season. Sheikh Hamdan’s colt is a hugely exciting prospect.

Read more about Ertijaal, here.