From The Horse's Mouth - Mark Van Deventer

Quickstepgal went from start to finish under Gavin Lerena to win Saturday’s G1 Cape Fillies Guineas having been backed from 16/1 into 10/1. This was a personal triumph for affable Tienie Prinsloo, a journeyman trainer.

He was “numero uno” at old Flamingo Park in Kimberley and was gutted when that track closed. He relocated to Durban where he has been battling with limited support in recent times, his string stuck on just 16 horses.

Whilst Prinsloo may be low-profile, he can most certainly pick and train. He spotted Quickstepgal (by Vercingetorix out of Jet Master mare, Victoriana) at the KYS24 auction amongst the first five babies he viewed and decided instinctively she was the chosen one – no need to look at any others.

Despite concerns she was going to stretch a limited budget, he was utterly determined to buy the bay and went to 450K to secure her for then owner, Rakesh Singh.

Quickstepgal did not take long to show her natural flair. After a sighter on debut in a Scottsville sprint, she reeled off a hat-trick, including a hard-fought win in the Strelitzia Stakes and a fluent score in the Devon Air.

She was sold after that impressive KZN Winter campaign in an August 2025 deal that has worked out great for all concerned. Singh obtained an excellent and quick return on his initial investment; new owners Laurence Wernars and Harry Wilson bought themselves a Fillies Guineas heroine - now with considerable value as a broodmare, and Prinsloo got to keep her in his small stable and train a first ever G1 winner.

It is an unfortunate commercial reality when promising horses are bought out of small yards, the trainer cannot boost his reputation at handling stakes- class horses. Credit is due to Wernar’s for keeping the horse with the original conditioner, and to Prinsloo’s for repaying his faith by seizing the opportunity.

Prinsloo graciously paid tribute to support from his wife, Elsa who encouraged him to remain confident during the lean spells.

The Fillies Guineas buildup was not without drama as Quickstepgal over-reached during the week before the big race. Even the slightest hitch before a G1 can scupper aspirations but Cape Town stalwart trainer, Eric Sands, helping Prinsloo out, did an excellent patch up job.The race itself was won inside the first 100m thx to Quickstepgal’s alertness and Lerená’s assertiveness. Prinsloo, who was champion trainer on the speed orientated Flaming Park dirt track knows how important seizing an early advantage can be even in turf races.

It so happens, after a ride by Kabelo Matsunyane up in Durban, Prinsloo worked out that a pace-pressing style suits Quickstepgal best. She relaxes better when on the lead and can quicken from that position - a tactical combination which makes her a tough nut to crack.

Quickstepgal duly pinged the gates, went to the lead, controlled the pace perfectly and a 23.6 closing sectional got the job done.

Reet Petite followed her in second all the way around the track, succumbing by .75 lengths.

Wish List caught the eye running on from midfield against a track profile which played favorably to handy types around the turn. Her 23.2 second 400m to finish fraction proved good enough for third, two lengths off the winner.

Quickstepgal’s performance merited a speed figure of 103, with sectional upgrade.