Everything you need to know about 2023 WSB Cape Town Met runner, SPARKLING WATER. The Mike de Kock-trained mare blew away an uber-talented field on her way to winning the 2022 Hollywoodbets Durban July. Can she repeat the trick in the Met?
5) SPARKLING WATER 6/1
Things have perhaps not gone exactly to plan for the daughter of Silvano since spectacularly taking out the 2022 Hollywoodbets Durban July. The five-year-old mare ran a disappointing 10th in the Betway Summer Cup, finishing just under six lengths behind eventual winner, Puerto Manzano. That result was bookended by a third-place run in the Grade 3 Victory Moon Stakes and a fourth-placed the Grade 1 Cartier Paddock Stakes.
S’manga Khumalo once again does the duty in the irons on Saturday. She’s enjoyed 19 career outings so far and has run into the money no fewer than 17 times. She definitely warrants attention.
Jockey: S’manga Khumalo
Trainer: Mike de Kock
Owner: Wilgerbosdrift (Pty) Ltd (Nom: Mrs M Slack)
Breeder: Wilgerbosdrift (Pty) Ltd
Sire: Silvano (GER)
Dam: Espumanti (GB) by Dansili (GB)
Age: 5
Colour: Bay
Sex: Mare
Merit Rating: 122
Weight: 57.5
Draw: 5
Career Record: 19 runs (7 wins, 10 places)
Stakes Won: R4 426 625
Runs at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth: 1 (1 win, 1 place)
Runs at 2000m Distance: 1 (3 places)
Notable Runs:
2nd in the 2021 Wilgerbosdrift SA Oaks (Gr 2) 2450m
2nd in the 2021 4Racing Gerald Rosenberg Stakes (Gr 2) 2000m
1st in the 2021 Victory Moon Stakes (Gr 2) 1800m
1st in the 2022 New Turf Carriers Western Cape Stayers (Gr 2) 2800m
3rd in the 2022 COlorado King Stakes (Gr 2) 2000m
3rd in the 2022 HSH Princess Charlene Empress Club Stakes (Gr 1) 1600m
2nd in the 2022 Tab The Premier’s Champions Challenge (Gr 1) 2000m
1st in the 2022 Hollywoodbets Durban July (Gr 1) 2200 m
3rd in the 2022 Tab4Racing Victory Moon Stakes (Gr 3) 1800m
Trainer Comments: Coming soon.
Winning Form Comments: Best MR:122. Meets number 2 on the same weight terms. Include.
2023 WSB Cape Town Met
R2 000 000 – 2000m – Grade 1
Saturday 28 January 2023 – 17:10
| No/Draw | Horse | Odds | Jockey | Trainer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Make It Snappy | 7/2 | K de Melo | B Crawford |
| 4 | Jet Dark | 4/1 | R Fourie | J Snaith |
| 6 | Kommetdieding | 11/2 | G Lerena | H Crawford/M Rix |
| 14 | Cousin Casey | 6/1 | G van Niekerk | G Kotzen |
| 5 | Sparkling Water | 6/1 | S Khumalo | M de Kock |
| 7 | Universal | 16/1 | JP v'd Merwe | A Marcus |
| 12 | Al Muthana | 16/1 | P Strydom | R Maingard |
| 17 | Rascallion | 20/1 | S Veale | V Marshall |
| 1 | Golden Ducat | 25/1 | C Soumillon | E Sands |
| 3 | Marina | 33/1 | A Domeyer | C Bass-Robinson |
| 8 | Do It Again | 33/1 | B Fayd'Herbe | J Snaith |
| 13 | Warrior | 40/1 | R Munger | J Snaith |
| 10 | Zapatillas | 40/1 | L Mxothwa | B Crawford |
| 9 | Nexus | 40/1 | M Yeni | J Snaith |
| 16 | Linebacker | 40/1 | C Orffer | V Marshall |
| 19 | Pomp And Power | 50/1 | K Matsunyane | J Snaith |
| 11 | Waterberry Lane | 75/1 | R Danielson | R Maingard |
| 15 | Rain In Holland | 75/1 | C Habib | S Tarry |
| 18 | Gem King | 100/1 | G Wright | P Steyn |
