It was Unparalleled who came out on top on the Dingaans as the Johan Janse van Vuuren-trained runner sped away to win by 4.25 lengths. On that occasion he had the benefit of No 3 draw in a field of 16 runners but this time jockey Gavin Lerena will need to overcome a wide draw as he is likely to jump from barrier No 15.
Harry’s Son and jockey Piere Strydom (JC Photo)
The Grade 2 Guineas is the first leg of the SA Triple Crown and one of these 16 runners will be looking to emulate the feat of Louis The King last year and collect the R2-million bonus. To do that they will also have to win the Grade 1 SA Classic over 1800m and the Grade 1 SA Derby over 2450m.
As far as the fillies are concerned, other than the Grade 2 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas, they will be looking to win the Grade 1 Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic and the Grade 1 Wilgerbosdrift SA Oaks to claim the R1-million bonus offered for winning the Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara.
Unparalleled was rested after his Dingaans victory but has come out to win a Graduation Plate over 1160m at Turffontein and then looked desperately unlucky to finish a 0.50-length third in the Grade 3 Tony Ruffel Stakes over 1450m on the inside track.
Following his run in the Dingaans, Harry’s Son went to Cape Town and put up a great effort to finish a 1.75-length second behind Act Of War in the Grade 1 Grand Parade Cape Guineas at Kenilworth in December.
Piere Strydom has stayed loyal to trainer Paul Lafferty and the rest of the connections and will once again ride the Australian-bred colt, jumping from barrier No 8.
However, the race does not end with those two. Vaughan Marshall has Mljet in the race though, sadly, he also has a very wide draw. Marshall has warned that his charge has recently been gelded and could be in need of a run.
Same Jurisdiction (Nkosi Hlophe)
Sean Tarry has three runners – Zambezi River, French Navy and Imperial Gold – all of whom are very capable on their day. They have all landed good draws and, over this 1600m, Zambezi River could be the pick.
Mike de Kock saddles Anjaal and Mutamakkin and, perhaps with stable jockey Anthony Delpech in the irons, the latter could be the pick of the pair.
The Fillies Guineas is headed up by Same Jurisdiction from the Duncan Howells stable, This KwaZulu-Natal-based runner has won her last four starts, including the Grade 1 Thekwini Stakes over 1600m at Greyville.
However, jockey Stuart Randolph will have to contend with No 12 draw.
Same Jurisdiction will face a strong challenge from the Tarry yard. They send out Siren’s Call with Piere Strydom up, Tamaanee, to ridden by S’manga Khumalo, Bichette, Sean Cormack up, and Trophy Wife, the mount of Raymond Danielson.
– Phumelela
