The G1 Cape Fillies Guineas was built as a showdown between Ebony Flyer and Igugu and they followed the script at Kenilworth on Saturday.

Ebony Flyer confirmed her star status as she saw off a determined challenge from her Australian bred rival.  Third placegetter Emerald Cove was over six lengths adrift of the first two home.  Ebony Flyer shot clear in the straight before Igugu came out to launch a challenge.  She chased all the way to the line but couldn’t quite make up the leeway.

Trainer Justin Snaith said his filly could end up racing overseas after the Cape summer carnival.  “I have nominated her for the Cape Guineas against the colts on December 18 and the J&B Met on January 29,” he said.  “This race has proved that she is a filly of high quality because Igugu is very good.”

Ebony Flyer (Jet Master) is now unbeaten in four starts and emulated her half-sister Captain’s Lover in winning this prestigious event.

Igugu (3f Galileo – Zarinia by Intikhab) looks set to win her fair share of races, especially when she tries a bit further than 1600m.  She was a $65,000 buy out of the Kia Ora consignment at the 2009m Inglis Melbourne Premier yearling sale.

Coolmore sire Rock of Gibraltar sired another feature winner in South Africa when his Irish bred filly Gibraltar Blue scored a four length victory the G2 Ipi Tombe Challenge at Turffontein on Saturday.

Gibraltar Blue  (4f Rock Of Gibraltar – Holly Blue by Bluebird) was bred by Annalee Bloodstock and cost 75,000 euros at the 2008 Goffs yearling sale.  She started her career with a maiden win at Fairyhouse in August last year and was then sold to South African owner-breeder John Koster.