The doubters were concerned that Pierre Jourdan (SAF) was trying a mile for the first time but trainer Gary Alexander was bullish going into the race and his stable star justified his confidence with a brilliant victory in the Gr 2 Gauteng Guineas at Turffontein on Sunday. Havasha (SAF), Galileo's Galaxy (SAF) and Flying Tristram (SAF) were left trailing in his wake.

Outsider Mahogany went out to lead once they settled down with Fort Petersburg and Galileo's Galaxy tracking him closely. Smanjemanje and Havasha were next best as Derreck David held up Pierre Jourdan in the second half of the pack, about eight lengths off the leader. Flying Tristram, who came in for some support on the day, was among the backmarkers as Bulsara brought up the rear.

Mahogany was soon under pressure in the straight and Galileo's Galaxy was soon sent about his business, skipping clear about 400m out. Havasha was the immediate threat and Flying Tristram was slowly starting to make up ground from some way off them but the real action was about to unfold along the inside rail. Pierre Jourdan had turned for home with a fair bit of work to do but not only did he make up the ground with ease but he burst clear of the rest 200m out. It was race over as he streaked away to win by nearly three lengths with David able to ease him down in the closing stages.

There's never been any doubt that Pierre Jourdan is a smart horse and the manner in which he quickened up to win the Ready To Run Cup late last year had already signalled that he was headed for the big time. This latest performance was even superior and while he still has to face some of his top Cape counterparts, one has to say that he looks the best 3-year-old in the country right now. He now has the SA Classic firmly in his sights and the extra furlong there is not going to prove any problem for him judging by the way he went about his business here.

Havasha - who had an awkward draw - and Galileo's Galaxy did nothing wrong and they stuck to their respective tasks all the way to the line. They are both useful sorts and just bumped into a seriously good one on the day. They will certainly get much easier opportunities than this to get back on the winning trail.

Flying Tristram never looked like landing a blow but he did make steady progress in the straight and was doing his best work late. He could well make a bolder bid in the SA Classic where the extra ground looks likely to be in his favour.

Pierre Jourdan (SAF) is a 3-y-o gelding by Parade Leader (USA) out of Vin Fizz (SAF) by Qui Danzig (USA). He is owned by Messrs E Baisero and G M Alexander and was bred by Summerhill Stud (Pty) Ltd.

Winning trainer: Gary Alexander