Always In Charge warms up for the R2.5 million Lanzerac Ready To Run in the Racing Association Graduation Plate at Kenilworth today and he is going to start favourite.
Vaughan Marshall
This is his first outing since his triumph in the Tsogo Sun Gold Medallion five months ago and Vaughan Marshall indicates that he might need it a bit, assessing the colt as “about 80%,” but the fact that Anton Marcus has come here to ride him suggests he will be ready enough. He has 2.5kg in hand on adjusted ratings.
World Sports Betting opened him odds against on Sunday but that was quickly snapped up and he was even money yesterday morning. Second favourite at 33-10 is Attenborough who has also been nibbled at, has the advantage of a previous outing this term and looks a big danger.
He was fourth to Table Bay in the Langerman when he didn’t get the trip and looked sure to beat Sergeant Hardy when he reappeared at Durbanville five weeks ago only to falter in the last 50m. “I’ve got some work into him since and he has come on a lot,” says Joey Ramsden. “He has had respiratory problems in the past but he is over them now. We are coming up against a good horse and we will see how far off that one he is.”
The sahorseracing.co.za computer says he will upset the favourite but it also predicts that 5-1 Horse Guards will flop and finish last. However this is a much better horse than either the computer or the bookmakers give him credit for.
He won his first two and was fancied for the Gold Medallion only to rip off a front shoe and damage the wall of his hoof in the process. “It was very bad,” recalls Dennis Drier. “That was why he hasn’t run since. Also the saddle slipped that day.”
Always In Charge (Nkosi Hlophe)
Interestingly Drier doesn’t think that Sean Veale’s mount will need the outing. This time last year many of his Cape Town runners did but this season most are firing on all cylinders from the word go.
The hat-trick seeking Purple Tractor is also a 5-1 chance but has plenty to do on ratings whereas stable companion Orion Quest (4-1) is the one closest to Always In Charge on ratings even though he hasn’t raced for six months. “He had knee surgery,” explains Brett Crawford. “I am sure he will need it but he has been working well.”
Crompton Court is 16-10 favourite for the All To Come Maiden (race three) after being knocked sideways 100m out when fancied at Durbanville last time and has obvious claims but it could be worth taking a chance with Horizon at 15-2, particularly as you can back him each way at that price.
This is the record-breaking colt who was so heavily backed on debut. He proved a big disappointment, finishing with only four behind him, but he had obviously shown plenty to warrant that kind of market support.
“He has had quite a bit of work and he did a very good gallop the other day,” says Candice Bass-Robinson. “Hopefully the penny has dropped. I am sure he will run well but it’s just the draw – 11 out of 13 – on his first time round the turn.”
By Michael Clower
