Two of South Africa’s shining stars, Beach Bomb and Gimme A Nother, will line up for a Gr1 test at Saratoga tomorrow night in the New York Stakes at 00:25, presented by Rivers Casino. Both mares have made waves since their move overseas and will be carrying the hopes of their breeders and owners as they take on some of America’s finest.

Beach Bomb, bred by Drakenstein Stud and racing in the name of Cayton Park Stud for Gaynor Rupert, has settled beautifully into her new home under Graham Motion’s care. She’s already notched up two impressive wins on American soil: the Gr3 The Very One Stakes and the Gr3 Orchid Stakes at Gulfstream Park. She raced at Belmont Park in her prior start to finish second in the Gr3 Sheepshead Bay Stakes. The daughter of the late Lancaster Bomber and the illustrious Beach Beauty (Dynasty), has seamlessly transitioned her South African success to the American racing scene and will be ridden by Luis Saez. She is rated 110.

Beach Bomb. Image: Candiese Lenferna

Gimme A Nother (Gimmethegreenlight – Nother Russia by Tiger Ridge), bred by the Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein partnership and racing in Jessica and Steven Jell’s Newstead Stables colours, is another to keep a close eye on. She arrived in the U.S. undefeated in South Africa, with two Gr1 victories to her name. Since joining Motion’s string, she’s already made her presence felt, finishing a close second in the Gr2 Hillsborough Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs and a flying second once more in her last outing, the Gr3 Modesty Stakes at Churchill Downs. Rated at 112, her natural class and determination suggest she’ll be right in the mix again on Saturday with jockey Jose Ortiz in the irons.

As the gates open on Saturday, Beach Bomb and Gimme A Nother will be carrying the hopes of South Africa with them. We’ll be cheering them home every step of the way.