It would appear Amazing Strike has been put into “the race of the century”, Saturday’s Grade 1 L’Ormarin’s Queen’s Plate, as a pacemaker although trainer Eric Sands was non-committal on this question.

Sands’ stalwart four-year-old Rainbow Bridge over-raced for a few strides when caught without cover in the slow run Grade 2 Green Point Stakes last time yet still managed to fly at the finish to beaten a long-head into fourth. He now has to give 2kg to the trio who beat him, Legal Eagle, Undercover Agent and Do It Again, but he has been priced up as the joint favourite with Legal Eagle, which implies bookmakers believe in a true run race he will perform 2kg better.

Amazing Strike’s presence might ensure a true run race as he has the speed to compete with the best sprinters and has won four times from 1400-1450m.

However, Sands said about Amazing Strike, “It will probably be his last run and he is there for a bit of fun. He is by Ideal World (a stamina influence) and has won some of his 1400m races going away so there is no reason he should not stay 1600m. A horse should be given every opportunity and we have him ready for the day. He is drawn in two so will be up there. But there are going to be a lot of horses trying to get into that box seat.”

It will be his first run for the Sands yard.

He is owned by Mauritzfontein Stud, who are the breeders of Rainbow Bridge. Furthermore, Mauritzfontein joint-owner Mary Slack has Buffalo Bill Cody in the race and he will also appreciate a good pace.

Meanwhile, Rainbow Bridge has been doing very well.
Sands said, ““He is just as well as he was last time, he is fit and hopefully there is a decent pace this time.”

He has done his preparation at Sands’ Milnerton base.

Sands did send Amazing Strike to the course for a gallop. He likely needed one as he finished downfield in the Cape Merchants, his fist run of the season and his last outing for former trainer Alec Laird.

By David Thiselton