Gold Circle Pty (Ltd)

Today's Racing :

Noble Heir won’t hang around

David Thiselton
The Grade 2 Post Merchants to be run over 1 200m on Friday night is a race that has been won by some great horses over the years and a trend that stands out is that it is often the horses who are very much suited to the Greyville track that win it. Looking at past trends for the Merchants it is the types that can kick from the front or from handy positions that do best. Ted’s Ambition (1982-1983) was a dual winner who used to break very quickly and go to the front, but once there was able to relax and dictate the gallop. However, when squeezed in the straight he would find instant acceleration and leave the field in his wake. He could do the same from a handy position. Dual winner Taban (1995-1996) and another top sprinter War Ribbon (1981) were also front-runners who could relax before kicking. Another dual winner, Extra Cover (1984-1985), liked to sit just off them before producing his telling kick as did Sunera (1986) and Enforce (1987). Last year’s winner Sharks Bay came from quite a long way back, but a good gallop was set and it was his turn of foot that was the difference. A big contender on Friday night is the Dennis Bosch-trained Noble Heir, known as a front-runner. Andrew Fortune, after winning on her once over 1 000m, said he had never been around the Greyville turn quicker. The question is whether the 1 200m of the Merchants is a touch too far? However, in her finest win, in the Grade 1 Computaform Sprint, she had a rare slow start and proved a revelation as she came from last to mow them down with ease. She has also been seen to be staying on over 1 200m recently. As far as turn of foot goes, a horse that stands out in the field is the Darryl Hodgson-trained Casey Cool. The six-year-old Casey Tibbs gelding has the significant booking of Kevin Shea, a rider who will suited him. He has a very short run in and must be held up for as long as possible, but when unleashed has an awesome burst of speed. Luck in running will play a part, but if he is able to get quite handy and a gap comes at the right time, he will certainly make a bold bid. The Wendy Whitehead yard will be desperately hoping for a card scratching as their three-year-old Strike Smartly gelding Two Tone is first reserve and is another who is tailor-made for Greyville. In his last win over the Greyville 1 000m, he astonished observers with an incredible finish, making up lengths in the last 100m. Mythical Flight used to have the ability to kick off a blistering early pace, but he has now lost some of that raw speed. Clearly Silver will try and get the Merchants double for the Dennis Drier yard and is one who can produce a fine turn of foot from a handy position. His wide draw is a concern though. Gaultier has run once at Greyville for one win and thrives in Durban. He’s a big runner, while Moroccan also looks a type who should enjoy Greyville.

\| All information on these pages are (©) Copyright Gold Circle Pty (Ltd) 2002 \| site map
(This site is best viewed at 1024 X 768)