Al Miqdaam is one of those stallions that floats around in obscurity for much of their careers. Ignored by mainstream studs for one reason or another and as a result not commercially viable, Al Miqdaam’s support base is mainly owner/breeders who do not have the numbers or quality of mare to make him popular.

Given a chance with a decent mare, Al Miqdaam does have some potential as Al Ciberano and Ishnana have shown, the two lining up in the sixth at Greyville tonight.

Al Ciberano

Both bred by Robert Smith, a long-time supporter of the sport and Al Miqdaam, Al Ciberano, now rising eight, was the first of the stallion’s progeny to feature prominently and to date has won four of his 34 starts, placed 19 times, and earned close to half-a-million rand.

Al Ciberano is over his favourite course and distance this evening but could find his younger rival too hot to handle although Tony Rivalland will have an idea on what to expect. Rivalland sends out Al Ciberano and also saddled La Ferrari, who fell victim to Ishnana last time out.

The Garth Puller-trained Ishnana has never been far back in his seven starts, twice successful, and blinkers appear to have brought out the best in him. La Ferrari had not finished out of the first three in his first five starts before taking on feature company in the In Full Flight Handicap last time out and did well enough to finish five lengths off Bold Respect. Tonight’s field is a lot weaker and on a line through La Ferrari, Ishnana could prove the one to beat in a difficult race.

After a virus scare, Duncan Howells is getting his string on track again and Ninjinsky’s Son can get his evening off on a winning note. After no-shows in his first three outings, Ninjinsky’s Son came good last time out, finishing like a train behind the talented but difficult Don Piero. The extra furlong should be right up his alley. Prince Ardent, in the money at his last five starts, and Lord Of Glencoe are possible dangers.

Sunny Bill Du-Toy came to hand with a bang when stretched to 1800m on the poly last time out and although that was a lowly maiden win, he appears to have some scope. Franco looks his biggest danger. He gets 4kg from Sunny Bill and has done well since being switched to the poly and sporting blinkers. He stays the trip and weight could be a deciding factor.

Howells sends out Crystal Ball and Roy’s Zara in the fourth, both in with chances in a tricky handicap. According to Howells, Crystal Ball is coming back to her best form and with a four-claimer up in Luke Ferraris, she may prove the pick of the two although Roy’s Zara trialled well and “has a say,” according to Howells.

Others with obvious chances are Vilette and Irish Marsh.

By Andrew Harrison