JESSICA Slack’s Cascapedia (IRE) got up in the final strides to beat Al Danza in the Gr3 Yellowwood Handicap to give Mike de Kock a feature win on a successful day for the stable at Turffontein.

The Irish-bred three-year-old, sporting blinkers for the first time and starting 33-10 favourite, stayed on gamely for jockey JP van der Merwe, who rode himself into a measure of fame in these silks when he won the last J&B Met on Smart Call in 2016.

Diane de Kock and Jessica Slack (right) receive trophies from Michael Leaf.

Cascapedia and Al Danza moved up to challenge Runalong at the 500m marker and quickly drew over a length ahead of the field, while BiPot was taking the fastest route home on the rail and closing quickly. Al Danza had half a length in hand over Cascapedia 300m out, but Van der Merwe would not allow De Kock’s filly to give up and she fought on to win by a head.

BiPot finished 1.15 lengths further behind in third with Patchitupbaby fourth, another 0.75 lengths back.

Van der Merwe said: “I galloped her a few weeks ago and I was very happy with the work. It was quite easy. I had a nice draw, a nice light weight. The pace was good. I sat third on the rail, got into the straight, nice clear run. I joined Gavin (Lerena on Al Danza) by the 200m. I knew when I asked she’d give. My filly’s got guts and she won a good race.”

Slack said: “She looked so amazing today.  Thanks to Mike and the team and to Jehan Malherbe for finding her for us.”

A €170 000 Goffs Orby Yearling Sale purchase by Form Bloodstock, Cascapedia has won 3 of her 4 starts for prize money of R380 600. Bred by Camas Park Stud, she’s a daughter of High Chaparral out of the unraced Dansili mare Janoubi.