Knight Of Glory can get punters off to a winning start at a decent price when racing returns to Durbanville for the first time in 15 weeks today.
Joey Ramsden’s three-year-old might not look the most obvious candidate for the opening maiden after being beaten over ten lengths last time but the talented Orion Quest romped home over seven clear that day and, taking him out of the way, Bernard Fayd’Herbe’s mount put up a performance that is good enough to give him a chance. He has a decent draw, has run well here in the past and appeals at the 4-1 Betting World opened him yesterday.
Joey Ramsden (Kenilworth Racing)
French Captain opened second favourite at 28-10 even though he has been off since November. Mike Stewart runs three including 5-1 shot Ravishing Lad who has been running over further. “Aldo Domeyer said to drop him back in trip,” explains the Noordhoek trainer. “But watch out for his brother Ravishing Boy (10-1). He will be a bit green on the bend but he is a seriously nice horse.”
Indonesia has each way claims at 10-1 despite unseating her rider at the start last time. “She had never done that before and we have since put a hood on and she was fine,” says Harold Crawford.
State Ballet showed much improved form on Queen’s Plate day and opened favourite at 5-2. However that was in a work riders’ race and she may have been flattered by the result. Like Janis (10-1) is better than her recent showing would suggest but Ronnie Sheehan is not optimistic, saying: “Maybe a place chance. She has been disappointing.”
Tell Me More looks particularly well handicapped in race two and the 22-10 favourite has this at his mercy if Grant van Niekerk can persuade him to jump on terms. He would have won last time but for losing a good three lengths at the gate. Ominously he was also slowly away on his previous start.
Ovar (28-10) is probably the main danger as 8-1 chance Breathless Bertie’s three wins in two months have sent him rocketing up the ratings. “You can never tell with him,” Stewart cautions. “I worked him on the beach on Saturday and his rider couldn’t pull him up.”
Secret Plan’s form warrants her 18-10 price in race three but that looks short considering her ten draw and in the circumstances the consistent Prudence Prevails makes more appeal at 4-1.
Justin Snaith is the leading trainer at Durbanville so far this season and he has a 20% strike rate. His Bora Bora looks the one in the Racing.It’s A Rush Maiden (race four) even though Fayd’Herbe has opted to partner Hammie’s Game (10-1) for Mike Bass.
“The blinkers were the problem last time and that’s why we are taking them off,” says Snaith. “I’m hoping Grant gets on with him.”
Van Niekerk is the leading jockey at the country course this term along with Corne Orffer – both have ridden 13 winners. Bora Bora is the 22-10 favourite although Orffer’s mount Rock On Geordies (9-2) and Andre Nel’s Master Runner (6-1) also have sound claims.
By Michael Clower
