Statute may well be the younger sister of Legislate but while the former Vodacom Durban July winner was more at home over a mile and further, Statute appears to be more of a sprinter, at this stage of her career anyway.

Washed out a week ago, the re-scheduled KwaZulu-Natal Stakes (Listed) takes centre stage at Scottsville on Sunday and Michael Roberts will know exactly where he stands with the filly come evening.

The race has attracted one of the most competitive line-ups ever and will be a tremendous warm-up for the Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint to be run towards the end of next month.

Statute has only had four starts and is unbeaten over the Scottsville straight, winning her maiden by five lengths and putting two lengths over the useful Miss Varlicious in her other start on this track.

Given her pedigree and the ease of her debut victory, Roberts was tempted to pit her against much more seasoned opposition in the Gr3 Flamboyant Stakes on the last day of last year.

“Unfortunately, the race didn’t pan out for us,” said Roberts. “I didn’t think she could win it but was hoping for a place. But she’s got class, there’s no doubt about it.”

She is up against some seriously quick opposition that includes Vision To Kill, Captain’s Girl, Jo’s Bond and Neptune’s Rain amongst others.

Vision to Kill is at her best over five furlongs and her last win came over course and distance when beating the equally quick Hashtag Strat, also in the field.

Callan Murry does duty for Paul Gadsby and after a spell in the doldrums on his return from Hong Kong, young Murray appears to have found his mojo again.

Louis Goosen saddles three quick fillies in Captain’s Girl, Effortless Reward and Hashtag Strat, best of them could prove to be Captain’s Girl in spite of finishing behind Effortless Reward last time out. She was the stable elect that day but she blew her chances when getting upset at the start.

Neptune’s Rain is the highest rated filly in the race but this five furlongs may be on the sharp side and last year’s winner Jo’s Bond may prove to be a better proposition. Jo’s Bond has been winless since that victory but has been up against some smart opposition and is a must inclusion in all bets.

After winning his first two in facile fashion, Billy Silver was sent to the Cape to take his chances in the CTS $500 000 but he never made the field after finishing down the field in the Cape Classic.

Both Cape starts were well below what was expected but he trialled well beating home My Pal Al on his return. He was doing his best work late behind the rejuvenated Hack Green last Sunday and that run should have brought him along. Billy Silver can keep his unbeaten Scottsville record although the progressive Majestic Glory could give him a go.

“He’s a smart horse and working very well at home,” said Paul Lafferty. “He’s improving all the time.”

Tottenham Hotspur are involved in a big game against Manchester City tomorrow and avid Spurs supporter Lafferty sends out Coys in the eighth. “We are a little worse off with the Kannemeyer horse (Pure Logic) because we have won since, so it will be a tough ask but he is in a good space.”

By Andrew Harrison