Clifton Sunset has been knocking at the door for some time now and after finishing runner-up in five of her ten starts she is due a change of luck. But Brett Crawford’s filly faces some tough opposition in the Itsarush.co.za FM Handicap at Scottsville this afternoon and another second would not come as a major surprise.
However, her last two starts have been on the Greyville poly track, the first over 1000m where she was held up for a run and her second over 1400m where she tried to make all the running.
Anton Marcus, who has partnered the filly in both those starts, should by now have a pretty good idea of what his mount is capable of, so back on turf over 1 200m she gets the benefit of the doubt.
Dennis Drier and Duncan Howells are engaged in a tight contest for KZN’s trainers’ championship with Howells one clear of his rival at the time of writing. They both have runners in the race, Drier saddling La Revere and Howells Rainbowinthesky, both in with outstanding chances.
Brett Crawford (Liesl King)
La Revere showed plenty of promise early in her career, winning on debut and following up with a close-up third in Gr3 Debutante.
She was not seen out again until November at Kenilworth where she was a touch disappointing in a Graduation Plate.
This will be her first outing in sixth months so obviously has her problems but comes from a yard that knows how to bring them back racing fit.
Rainbowinthesky, on the other hand, has only missed the money once in six starts down the Scottsville straight and last time out was a narrowly beaten fourth behind Timeous when tried in blinkers for the first time. Racing fit and getting 3kg from La Revere and 4kg from Clifton Sunset may be enough to see her home.
Marcus could be in for a quick double if New Fort continues his good form in the Racing It’s A Rush Handicap over 2400m, in a race that is likely to develop into a tight tactical battle.
On paper, there is absolutely nothing between New Fort and top weight Night Circus, the two having met last time out with New Fort prevailing by less than a length. New Fort has been a changed horse since moving yards and the blinkers coming off and has only been beaten once in four starts for his new stable.
He is a confirmed front runner so just how Marcus plays his hand will be interesting. Anthony Delpech has been aboard Night Circus in his last six outings and his most recent victory came on the poly when handy throughout. Delpech has since employed waiting tactics but just not able to close when it counts.
New Fort is tested over the trip while Night Circus steps up for the first time so the odds do seem to favour the old campaigner.
Sabre Charge was a buy-back at last week’s Super Sale but steps out in the same colours for the first time for Kom Naidoo. He stays the trip well but was comfortably beaten by New Fort last time out. However, he gets 2.5kg relief from apprentice Ashton Arries and that could prove significant.
By Andrew Harrison
