THE stable came away with a Gr2 winner on a star-studded Champions Day at Turffontein when two-year-old Fursa (AUS) raced home over a length clear in the SA Fillies Nursery over 1160m, giving Mike de Kock his third consecutive winner in the race.

Fursa (Callan Murray), storms home under a well-judged ride. (JC Photos).

Fursa reversed exposed form with the favourirte Exquisite Touch to the tune of more than seven lengths on their 5 March encounter and Mike commented: “She’s improved since then and also led from the gate that day. She was flatfooted late and they ran pas her. I told Callan Murray to give her more of a chance this time and this was a good, mature ride from him. She ran on well of another cracking pace over this distance and it was encouraging because she needs further.”

Mike said that Fursa, a daughter of Hard Spun who races for Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum’s Al Adiyaat (SA), was above average and congratulated the owner.

Mike also paid compliments to SA Derby winner Abashiri, who courageously fought back near the line to win the race and with it the Triple Crown. “Well done to Mike Azzie and his team, this came with lots of pressure for them,” he said.

Jubilee Line earned himself a fifth-placed stake cheque in this race, staying on and Mike said: “He ran a fair race, will be gelded shortly and can be watched.”

Persian Rug faded tamely in the SA Oaks after racing wide all the way and Mike said: “It’s hard to assess her after she had to race four deep throughout. The winner came from last though, this was a disappointing run.”

Janoobi (Colts Nursery), never got into the hunt and Mike assessed: “He needs a mile and further. That he’s won two sprints is a bonus.”