Despite a fast finish, Blue Tiger fell just short of Warm White Night in the running of the Gr1 Cape Flying Championship on Saturday.

Charles Laird has done a terrific job in getting the 4 year old entire back to his best after some disappointing form in his previous two starts. The magnificently bred entire notched up the second group 1 of his career, and if he maintains this form, will take some beating in the remaining sprints this year. Anton Marcus is a masterful tactician and when the leading bunch began to tire he hit the front convincingly and was always going to be difficult to catch 2 furlongs out.

Bernard Fayd’Herbe and Blue Tiger can consider themselves a little unlucky after the grey found some interference from stable mate Gaultier in the closing stages. The pair got going late and cut back the deficit with every stride but the line came too soon for Blue Tiger to deny him the first group 1 of his career.

Thunder Key, now 6 years old, showed that his diadem win was no fluke and his run into third place among this company was again full of merit. Hear The Drums was as game as ever and ran on resolutely to finish 4th.

Ashbook, a half sister to Durban July winner Trademark, won a terrific race for owner / breeder Lionel Cohen in the 5th. The victory could not have been more timely for the Equimark boss who has the full brother to Ashbrook on his Vintage Sale next month.

 Ashbrook