CHOOKS KISS is a filly by Rafeef (AUS), out of the Fort Wood (USA) mare Trellis. Purchased by Hollywood Racing at the 2024 BSA Cape Yearling Sale, she was bred by Narrow Creek Stud.
Name: CHOOKS KISS
Named By: Vernon Philander.
Name Meaning: Chooks is the nickname for Vernon Philander. The Kiss relates to the story with Dale Steyn, on how Vernon would remind him to keep things simple.
Sex: Bay Filly
Sire: Rafeef (AUS)
Dam: Trellis
Damsire: Fort Wood (USA)
DOB: 11 October 2022
Breeder: Narrow Creek Stud
Pedigree: See Here
Trainer: Gareth van Zyl
Record: 6-0-2
UPDATES – Chooks Kiss
May 20th, 2026
Raced over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the polytrack. Finished 3rd out of 9 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: Gavin said she pulled a bit too hard and she was pestered in front. She still finished third. The stable will change the bit next time and hopefully that will help.
April 5th, 2026
Raced over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. Finished 5th out of 10 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: She was given every chance and stayed on up the straight. Sean said she’s very one paced and needs 2000m.
January 28th, 2026
Raced over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the polytrack. Finished 2nd out of 7 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: The trip was a bit too far for her. She moved up like a winner but didn’t go on with it. A fair second, she will win soon over the right distance.
December 26th, 2025
Raced over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the turf. Finished 6th out of 7 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: A disappointing run. She was in a good position, second on the fence. I feel she didn’t enjoy the slowly run race. She is better than that run.
November 16th, 2025
Raced over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the polytrack. Finished 5th out of 9 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: I believe Sean may have made too much use of her in the early stages of the race. Sean said she needs more ground and will be better on the turf. One to follow next time.
October 19th, 2025
Raced over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the turf. Finished 7th out of 14 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: She was very green in-running. She will improve a lot from the run.
February 25th, 2024
Hollywood Racing purchased 22Trellis who is a Rafeef bay filly out of the dam Trellis (by Fort Wood) at the 2024 BSA Cape Yearling Sale (Lot 153). She is bred by Narrow Creek Stud.