Desert Miracle is top class

DESERT Miracle (Dynasty) raced as a Maiden against winners in Saturday’s Highveld Juvenile Stakes over 1400m at Turffontein, but won as she liked.

Bookmakers offered odds in a range between 5-10 and 5-6, as if they knew the result, and they weren’t wrong as Desert Miracle strode away to a 2.25-length win, never off the  bridle in the hands of Kabelo Matsunyane.

Mike de Kock said: “When I saw her winning today I though back again of her first run over 1160m at Turffontein, where se was narrowly beaten by Shield Of Roses and I still cannot believe it. Two weeks after that she finished eight lengths in front of the same filly over the same course and distance.

“Forgetting all that, I’ve always rated her Group class and now I reckon she’s a Gr1 filly, she has the ability needed. She’s really good. If she draws well, we’ll go for the Thekwini Stakes at Greyville next – one can’t go there without a decent draw.

“Her dam, Welwitchsia won two Gr1 sprints, also for Mary Slack. She was also exceptional, but little quirky and that may have cost her a top-level success, but I believe Desert Miracle will win the Gr1’s her dam wasn’t able to win.”

She’ll soon get used to the camera!

On Thursday, well-bred Power Ranger (Silvano) broke his Maiden at his second attempt for the yard. He’s  a three-year-old who races for Dr Andreas Jacobs and Sue Magnier, and Mike said: “He didn’t beat much, but we started him at three so the handicappers haven’t had a chance to get a hold of him.

“He’s a nice sort, has an impeccable pedigree and with improvement to come. From this mark we can take him through the divisions.”

Power Ranger, late starter.