Joburg’s Fatal Flaw Dazzles in Cape Fillies Guineas Victory
The talented three-year-old filly Fatal Flaw delivered a commanding performance in the Grade 1 Cape Fillies Guineas, asserting her dominance on one of South Africa's most prestigious racing stages. Trained by the father-and-son duo Brett and James Crawford, the filly traveled from Johannesburg to Cape Town, turning heads with her brilliant win.
James Crawford, who recently joined his father Brett as a co-trainer, made the decisive call to scratch Fatal Flaw from the Grade 3 Fillies Mile on Summer Cup day in favor of this Grade 1 contest. The gamble paid off in spectacular fashion, marking the Crawford team’s first Grade 1 victory as a partnership—and James’ maiden Grade 1 win as a trainer.
Representing the ASSM Racing Syndicate and bred by prominent owner Laurence Werners, Fatal Flaw was masterfully piloted by legendary jockey Piere “Striker” Strydom. Utilizing his renowned front-running tactics, Strydom set a flawless pace and expertly maneuvered the filly from an unenviable draw of 13 to the outside rail—a classic Cape Town strategy. The move left her rivals floundering as she stormed to a convincing victory.
With her Cape Fillies Guineas triumph, Fatal Flaw not only upheld Johannesburg form but also cemented her status as one of the most exciting prospects of her generation. This emphatic performance suggests there’s plenty more to come from this rising star.
Sire: NEW PREDATOR (AUS)
Dam: ALINGA (AUS)
Dam Sire: ROCK OF GIBRALTAR (IRE)
Breeder: Mr L M F Wernars
Owner: ASSM Racing Syndicate (Nom: Mr A Chadha)