Candice in Wonderland

Candice Bass-Robinsontrained unbeaten filly Magical Wonderland looked a superstar in the making when storming home despite the dual impediments of 61kg and plenty of trouble in the running at Durbanville recently.
She steps up to Graded company and beyond sprint distances for the first time in the Grade 2 Western Cape Fillies Championship on Saturday, but has Grade 1 winner written all over her and is expected to remain undefeated  come 5.20pm on Saturday.

“She is highly talented, doing very well, and will be a big runner,” was the bullish comment from her usually cautious conditioner, who also confirmed that if she handles the trip, this daughter of What A Winter will be aimed at the Grade 1 WSB Fillies Guineas.

Dennis Drier’s star, Lady In Black, is also yet to taste defeat, and won the Grade 1 Thekwini Stakes in good style at the end of July. She receives a 2kg penalty in this event due to that win, and jumps from a very wide gate as she negotiates a left-handed turn for the first time. Cream always rises to the top but she may struggle to get the better of the Bass-Robinson-trained filly on this occasion, given all of those negatives.

“She is very well in herself but will need plenty of luck in running from that draw,” was the wry comment from her trainer.
“Champenois has a good draw and top rider and will run very well. Tsessebe is a game little filly but is drawn worst of all and MJ Byleveld will have to perform miracles,” said Drier of his other entries. Sean Tarry’s Grade 2 winner Desert Rhythm is highly consistent, and is 1kg better off with Lady In Black for a two length reverse after not finding a clear passage in the Thekwini.
“She may need it slightly but will be finishing well. This is a prep for the Fillies Guineas,” was the cautious assessment off the champion trainer.