3 minute read

Taipan justified favouritism to give trainer Dean Kannemeyer a second successive win in the Listed Woolavington Handicap over 2400m at Kenilworth on Saturday.

Kannemeyer’s top stayer Blake won the race last year and he looks to have a more versatile talent on his hands in Taipan, who is fittingly by Kannmeyer's 2003 Durban July winner Dynasty.

Kannemeyer has been a big supporter of Dynasty's progeny and has high summer hopes for the four-year-old Taipan after he made short work of his five rivals in Saturday's feature.

Taipan didn't quite set the turf alight during his winter campaign but caught the eye when making his seasonal debut in the Matchem Stakes two weeks ago over the inadequate 1400m trip.

The quick step up in trip was of no account but he still faced a proper test under a big weight and it was an impressive effort to concede 4kg to Winter Derby winner Punta Arenas and beat him with something in hand under a confident ride from Karl Neisus.

Taipan has now won four of his 11 starts with six placings and his connections are aiming for the G1 J & B Met.

Punta Arenas was having his third start of the season after his previous two runs over shorter trips and he appreciated the step up to 2400m.

The Mike Bass-trained What A Winter bounced back to winning form on the same card with a victory in the Pinnacle Stakes over 1100m.

What A Winter has now won 10 races from 19 starts and he will be a worthy contender for the feature Cape summer sprints.