TIGER Territory has developed into one of the most consistent and versatile sprinters around and he skipped home in good style under topweight to win the R125 000 Lightning Stakes run over 1000m on the Vaal sand on Thursday.
The non black-type feature billing provided solid entertainment on the Vaal sand programme.
Tiger Territory is still in for Tuesday evening at Turffontein, where he is scheduled to line up in the Gr3 Tommy Hotspur Handicap against the smart Willow Magic.
Tiger Territory, another game display.
The capable son of Trippi looks just about equally at home on both surfaces and appears rather nicely weighted in the handicap off a 94 turf rating.
The improving Akash Aucharuz nursed him home for a convincing victory and Tuesday will be his fourth run in five weeks if he runs. So he is very fit!
Living up to the name of the race, Fanie Chambers had Anger into a quick lead and the Brazillian-bred colt, a colourful enigmatic character on the track, appears to be edging back to his best.
He led well into the final 250m and the even-money favourite Tiger Territory only got the better of him late, going past to win by a head in a time of 58,88 secs.
Qawaasem, sand suits. (JC Photos)
Anger’s grey stablemate Kiss Me Hardy stayed on late into third, just edging out the 75 to 1 quartet kicker, Maji Moto.
Tiger Territory has now won 8 races with 7 places from 26 starts for stakes of R687 925.
He was no cheapie. The 4yo gelded son of Trippi out of the unraced Model Man mare, Fragrant Filly, was bought for R1,1 million at the 2012 KZN Yearling Sale by Ivan Snyman, who races him in partnership with Alan Mikhail and Mike Wittstock. He was bred by Highlands.
“Once again well done to the owners, they are an enthusiastic partnership, Mike Wittstock was on course again to lead Tiger Territory in,” said assistant trainer Mathew de Kock,
Tiger Territory was the second leg of a double for the stable after the Australian bred Qawaasem had won the previous race under Gavin Lerena. “This was a super run first time on sand. Qawaasem seems in her place on turf and we’ll be looking for more sand races for her,” Mathew said.
