Betula is quick off the mark!

BETULA has ticked off her maiden juvenile win at just her second attempt!

With only a handful of winners from new sire, Danon Platina, this good looking two-year-old filly was able to add another to the tally. The filly's breeding also reverts back to a current stable favourite named Tulip Tree, a very progressive 3-year-old. If Betula can follow in the footsteps of her half-sister she should have an exciting career ahead.

She stepped into this race after a very promising first run, running into 5th place and only beaten 1,60 lengths. The stable were confident she had come on many lengths from that run and would have gained a lot from the outing and therefore gave her a very good winning chance at this time of asking.

Diego de Gouviea was aboard and from a favourable draw of 3, was able to position the filly perfectly just off the pace and one off the fence with some cover to pull her through the long Vaal straight. At around the 400m mark Diego began to nudge the filly along and she responded immediately. She found herself amongst the leaders but was evident that she was still very green and didn't quite have her mind on the job. Diego worked hard on the filly to get her in a forward movement and eventually hit the front and began to draw away just before the line. Even though she won by a small margin of 0,30, its clear that she is still very green and the win was worth a lot of merit.

It will be interesting to see how the filly continues to progress and improve with the experience and may even enjoy a step up in trip as she matures. It seems like another exciting sort for all the owners involved, which have been part of the yard for many years. Well done to Mr T Kung, B A Lane, Paul Marks, A D Marx & G J Player.

Thanks to the sponsor once again for all their support - HOLLYWOODBETS.