May 27 - At South Africa's Kenilworth race course in Cape Town last Saturday, local filly, Empress Crown, proved that she could keep up with and beat the 'lads' after a convincing win in the Betting World Cape Of Good Hope Nursery (Gr.3).

The race was highly reminiscent of last year's Group 3 Betting World Cape Of Good Hope Nursery race, when another filly, Diana's Choice, also gave the males an excellent run for their money to snatch an impressive victory.

Saturday's race saw Mr. See bolting into the lead from the offset, although he was soon overtaken by Chief Blackfoot once the field had settled into their stride, followed hot on his heels by Jodee's Prospect and Kenny Tee, ahead of Burrberry and Bush Pirate.

Empress Crown and Summer Exposure were running comfortably in the middle stages as Chief Blackfoot managed to increase his lead even further by the 300m mark, with Kenny Tee and Noble Act struggling to close the lead.

Shortly thereafter, however, Bush Pirate turned on the juice as did Empress Crown and Summer Exposure, as the made their way towards the front runners.

It was Empress Crown, however, who had ample energy reserves which she drew on to overtake Chief Blackfoot, who finished in second place, followed by Bush Pirate and Summer Exposure not far behind, who took third and fourth place respectively.

Empress Crown's performance at the Cape Of Good Hope Nursery will certainly wake up her critics, who did not give the filly much of a chance following two previously disappointing races.

Her performance on Saturday showed that Empress Crown runs far better when more 'patient tactics' are applied, and reflects well on her sire, Caesour, who has made a name for himself by turning out winners fairly consistently.