VICTORIOUS SAMURAI WARRIOR
After a thorough assessment and discussion between the NHA Handicappers, SAMURAI WARRIOR was given a merit rating of 105 following his front running victory under a masterful ride from Jockey Piere Strydom in the SA Derby (Grade 1) at Turffontein on Saturday 30 March 2019 over 2450m.
ROMEO FRANCIS, PALACE OF DREAMS
Jack Milner: While Mike de Kock and Sean Tarry came away with wins in the Grade 1 Horse Chestnut Stakes and the Grade 2 Wilgerbosdrift SA Oaks, it was good to see some of the smaller stables pick up victories in the Grade 3 races.
HAWWAAM
Jack Milner: The scratching of Hawwaam from the R2-million SA Derby was a double blow for racegoers. Obviously, with Zillzaal, the TAB favourite running second, the remaining 915 Pick 6 tickets on the 1-10 favourite landed up in the dustbin, along with a number of Jackpot tickets.
Turffontein Racecourse was awash with people, paints and prawns as the public came to celebrate Derby Day on Saturday.
HAWWAAM
Hawwaam did not appear to be injured after his escapade at Turffontein on Saturday.
SAMURAI WARRIOR & PIERE STRYDOM
Mike Moon: Red-hot favourite Hawwaam was scratched from the Grade 1 SA Derby after bolting from the parade ring and running loose to the starting stalls.
