Another gutsy win by Humdinger

Humdinger had several big names behind her when she posted her sixth career win at Turffontein on Saturday – not for the first time, and proving again that she’s a filly of mettle.

A Grade 2 winner over 1450m at the city track, Humdinger was well weighted in a Pinnacle Stakes over 1400m and she ran perfectly to form in typical game fashion to lead from start to finish under a strong Richard Fourie ride.

Humdinger beat Marigold Hotel and three-year-old ace Feather Boa, both in threatening pursuit over the last 150m, with Desert Miracle, Homely Girl, Sprinkles and Sparkling Water completing the field.

“She’s been such a pleasure to train,” said Mike de Kock about the Ridgemont/Highlands bred filly. “She likes to win, tries hard and gives of her best. She’s beaten Desert Miracle before at level weights, when Desert Miracle was rested – like indeed she was before this race. With a 4kg pull in her favour, she was the best of ours today being the fittest of them all.

“We’ve been thinking of a G1 for her, the Empress Club Stakes springs to mind, but I’m not convinced she’s as effective over a mile as she is around 1400m. A race like the G2 Drill Hall Stakes at Greyville may be a better option, we’ll see.”

Mike congratulated Joao Da Mata of the International Racing Club and Krish Nagendran, with whom he owns Humdinger. She’s a daughter of Western Winter and Himalayan Hill, by Fort Wood.

Mike said about Desert Miracle: “I am happy with this run, she had a good break after her Cape campaign and needed it. She was far back today and ran on.”

Sparkling Water faded out of contention and Mike said: “She needed it too and this was way too short, but we expected better. We’ll assess her this week.”