Sean Tarry said that while he had chances on Saturday at the Supreme Cup meeting sponsored by SAP, he could not go in overly confident as his string was still not firing on all cylinders at present, although they are going in the right direction and he expected them to peak in about Mid-October.

He has three runners in the Gr 2 R1 million Supreme Cup over 1450m and said Willow Magic would possibly be the one he would side with.

He said, “Willow was given a nice prep down in Durban, where the string has been going well. He might just be needing it but is in a good place and works well on the dirt, so we are hoping.”

On a merit rating of 106 Willow Magic is at the very top of the 56kg merit rating band, so is officially relatively well weighed. He has won a Gr 1 over 1160m and a Gr 2 over 1600m in his career, so this trip should be ideal and being from a Mr Prospector line sire should love the Vaal sand. His draw of nine makes it quite tough but he will be ridden by the  brilliant national log-leading jockey Andrew Fortune, who is a master of placing a horse in the running and of pace.

These merit-rated band conditions races favour fillies and mares and Tarry’s five-year-old Argonaut mare Jade Vine is duly the best weighted horse in the race. She is 1,5kg better off than any other horse and carries only 50kg from a good draw of five under Muzi Yeni. However, she has had an interrupted preparation and Tarry said, “She had a mild colic so had to be scratched from her last intended start (1000m event on September 10). She is fit and well and has had no ill effects but the interruption to her preparation is still a bit of a concern.”

Jade Vine has been a facile winner over course and distance before. That was off a merit rating of 68 compared to her current rating of 97 and she has generally run in sprints since then, but Tarry isn’t concerned about the trip.

Tarry’s third runner is Tap Tap Makhatini, who hasn’t run since April, but this is likely a deliberate ploy. Tarry said, “He runs well fresh and is in good shape.”

However against the seven-year-old is that his merit rating is at the very bottom of one of the bands, which puts him 2kg out with some of the males and 3kg out with Jade Vine. Furthermore, he is drawn wide in 14 (comes into 11 if the three reserve runners come out), which makes it tough for this handy-running type. He is effective from 1450-1800m and will be ridden by in-form Karl Zechner. Tarry makes Deputy Jud as well as the Mike de Kock coupling of Toro Rosso and Mootahadee and the Stephen Moffat-trained Roman Carnival as the horses to beat.

Tarry regards Faberge Style, who runs in the Non-Black Type SAP Sophomore 1000 as his probable best runner on the day. The St. Petersburg three-year-old filly won her maiden over this course and distance by 10,25 lengths and followed up by winning over 1200m on the Greyville poly. Under the conditions of the race she is the second best in at the weights on official merit ratings but is less exposed than the horse who is best in, Kingoftheworld, and might be even better than her 88 merit rating suggests.

Tarry runs all of Run For Revelry, Lady Of Kildare and Crystal’s Revenge in the Listed Britehouse Supreme Fillies and Mares Stakes over 1450m. Run For Revelry’s net merit rating is at the very top of her particular band and she is drawn in pole. Krystal’s Revenge’s merit rating is also at the very top of her band, while Lady Of Kildare’s merit rating is only one point below the top of hers, but they are drawn in eleven and twelve respectively. Tarry said, “I can’t really separate them, they all have shouts and are in good shape, but Run For Revelry’s draw is worth quite a bit and I would make her the elect only for that reason.”

The yard’s nine-year-old soldier Across The Ice runs in the Listed SAP Hampton Handicap over 1000m and had excuses for his last two below par runs, which saw him drop down three points in the merit ratings. He was found to have had a respiratory infection which has now been sorted out. Tarry said it would be a touch sharp for him, but gave him an outside chance.

He runs Bold Approach and Super Guppy in the Listed Banyana Handicap over 1000m and said, “Bold Approach has progressed from his last run, but I have no real confidence. Super Guppy is out at the weights (4kg under sufferance).”

He runs three horses in the Non-Black Type Vaal River Handicap over 1800m, but two of them, Escudo and Peregrine are under sufferance by 2kg and 3kg respectively. The other runner Orchestrated should enjoy this trip and Tarry said, “He has been a bit lethargic in his races lately so we have fitted the blinkers and I give him an each/way chance.”

By David Thiselton

Picture: Willow Magic (Nkosi Hlophe)

Mike Azzie’s Gr 1 SA Derby runner up Deputy Jud has been gelded since returning from KZN and has been doing some fantastic short, sharp work in preparation for the Gr 2 R1 million Supreme Cup sponsored by SAP this Saturday.

Azzie makes the Judpot gelding the yard elect ahead of the Tiger Ridge gelding Isphan purely due to his better draw.

Azzie admitted the one concern about the four-year-old Deputy Jud was the 1450m trip could be too sharp but added, “I have freshened him up completely and kept him to short, sharp work and in his final workout he jumped like a sprinter. We had wanted to geld him a while ago but the races were all on top of each other so couldn’t. He is a better horse since the gelding, he is more honest, he is running straight and not running all over the place.

“He won his only start on the sand by 4,25 lengths (over 1600m in his second career start last November) and I deliberately kept him away from the surface in case he was a sand freak and would become merit rated out of it. He could be the surprise package in the race.” Deputy Jud jumps from a great draw of four and will be ridden by JP van der Merwe.

Azzie said about the four-year-old Isphan, “We’ve always wanted to send him over this sort of trip and now that we do he goes and lands a terrible draw. With a good draw he could have used his fantastic gatespeed to get there for nothing, but now it’s going to be tricky and we will have to think about how to ride him.”

Isphan’s first career win was actually over this trip on the Turffontein Inside course and he has held his own against some of the best sprinters in the land since then.

Isphan has won twice on the sand before. He will be ridden by Francois Herholdt from draw 15, which will come into 12 if the three reserve runners come out.

Azzie concluded by saying both of his contenders were “very, very well.”

Deputy Jud and Isphan are both well weighted under the conditions of the race as their respective net merit ratings of 102 and 98 coincide with the top of the 54kg merit-rated band and the 52kg merit-rated band rspectively.

Azzie contests two other features on the day, the Non-Black Type Investec Sophomore Fillies 1000, with three horses, La Strada, Mella Maria and Inyanga, and the Listed Britehouse Fillies and Mares Stakes over 1450m with Peep Show. He gives all of them chances and said if he had to side with one in the Sophomore Fillies it would be La Strada. The latter certainly has the right breeding for the sand being by Windrush and Azzie said, “She ran a cracker last time and will be right there.”

Peep Show won her last sand start over the Fillies And Mares Stakes course and distance by a facile 6,75 lengths and is another of the yard’s horses on the day whose merit rating is at the very top of one of the merit-rated bands, which makes her officially relatively well weighted. She is also drawn quite well in five and is 7kg better off with Walking On Air for a 6,8 length defeat over course and distance.

By David Thiselton

Picture: Mike Azzie (Nkosi Hlophe)

Make The Magnet, second or third in the last four of her seven starts, should finally get her head in front in the Gold Circle Maiden at Durbanville tomorrow.

She is well drawn, has experience of the course and would appear to have been handed it on a plate by the enforced scratching of Preoccupation who won on Saturday. She also wears blinkers for the first time.

“She switches off too well,” says Eric Sands, explaining why he is putting them on. “Last time we tried racing her closer but she didn’t produce the kick that she normally does.”

She has most to fear from Glen Kotzen’s pair Nakshatra and Jamaica Me Crazy. Greg Cheyne is on the latter and it is significant that he rides Skysign rather than stable companion Bruno (who is the TAB sheet forecast favourite) in the Gold Circle Novice Plate. “It was my choice although there is not much in it,” he says.

His mount would have finished closer last time had she got off on terms and is the marginal choice. Others to note in this mile race are Kemal Kavur – the horse MJ Byleveld was riding when he was kicked by Ready To Attack returning to unsaddle after the Langerman – and Do Be Snappy even though he is badly drawn. “He comes from behind so I wouldn’t worry too much about that,” says Ronnie Sheehan.

Sheehan may win the first with Kwando even though Morethanthat seems sure to start favourite after her good debut at Kenilworth last month. Her problem is the draw, nine out of 11. “She is a nice filly but it’s going to be very hard for her from there,” reasons Justin Snaith.

Kwando’s form is not as good – on a line through Brilliant Idea she has about two and a half lengths to find – but the draw is such a big factor on this course, particularly over 1 400m and shorter.

Grant van Niekerk, who rides her, also has a good chance on Imperial Guard in the Pick 6 Maiden two races later but this four-year-old is proving expensive. He has started favourite on four of his last six starts and is again sure to be one of the market leaders.

It could pay to side with Nutbush instead. The Dean Kannemeyer-trained colt is well drawn and went close here two races back.

BLOB Michael Clower’s three selections last Saturday all won, including Jets-A-Blazing at 9-2. Clower has won with 12 of his 33 selections at the last eight Cape Town meetings, giving a profit of R161 to a R10 level stake.

By Michael Clower

Picture: Grant Behr (Nkosi Hlophe)

Brett Crawford is weighing up whether to take on Inara with his KRA Fillies Guineas winner Alexis in the Diana Stakes at Durbanville on Saturday week.

He said: “Alexis could possibly start in the Diana. I will see how she is – she is doing very well at the moment – and what the race looks like.

“She is quite versatile – she can race in sprints as well as over a mile – and so there is also the Southern Cross (December 5) and the Sceptre (January 16) as she builds up towards Met day.”

Icy Fire, who made such a big impression when winning a Kenilworth maiden at the beginning of the month, may be aimed at the Choice Carriers Championship on November 7.

Joey Ramsden said: “She will take the same sort of route as Cold As Ice did last season but whether she is as good is a matter of subjectivity.”

Ramsden has sent Cape Thoroughbred Sales Stakes winner Brutal Force, Disco Al (Track And Ball Derby) and East Cape Derby victor St Tropez to campaign in Johannesburg. His Durban assistant Alson Ndzilana travels up there this week to look after them.

Irridescence winner Anglet was a notable absentee from the Diana nominations and she will wait for the Choice Carriers for her first race of the season.

Paddy Kruyer said: “I didn’t want her to have to bump four-year-olds. She hasn’t been out of work over the winter but I did let her down and took the speed out of her work.”

By Michael Clower

Picture: Alexis (John Lewis)

The Vaal has another sand meeting today in which punters will be put to the test over eight races.

The first is a workrider’ maiden plate over 1200m and Emerald Mackay will be hard to beat from pole position over the distance of his best run because on pedigree he should take well to the sand. Pera Hur ran well over course and distance last time and is well drawn this time so could be a threat. Buddy’s Falcon should be running on from behind late.

In the second over 1000m Rain In Africa has finished second in two sprints on turf, and being by Trippi should love the surface, although she has made a respiratory noise in both of her starts to date which is a concern. Windinmyhair ran on strongly in her only start on sand over 1000m, so has a chance from a fair draw with the astute Raymond Danielson aboard. The Berry Lady has pace and is interesting with first time blinkers and Gavin Lerena aboard.

In the third over 1000m Musical Romance will love the sand being by Trippi and the form of her good last run over course and distance has worked out well so she looks hard to beat in this uninspiring field. Relampago will love this course and distance on pedigree and is improving so could pose a threat. Tripadvisor might enjoy the drop back to this trip considering her breathing issues and could also be a threat with Piere Strydom up.

In the fourth over 1600m Il Duce is drawn well with Gavin Lerena up and has run well from 1200-1800m on the Vaal sand and turf behind some promising sorts so looks the one to beat, especially considering he still has scope for improvement in just his fifth career start. Windigo has run some fair races on the turf from 1200-2000m and being by Windrush should love this surface, although he does have a wide draw. Gaggle was green on the bend over course and distance on debut when running a fair race, so with natural improvement he will go close. Bank Manager faded on debut over 1400m after being handy and should be fitter and also improve for the experience. Bridegroom Bertie had a mouth injury last time but on his previous two turf runs has a chance here. Notorious can’t be ignored either.

In the fifth over 1600m Olympic Bolt found the 1450m too sharp last time and has a shout here over his optimum course and distance. Brad’s Surge was given the maximum eight point raise after his easy win over 1450m last time and is a big runner provided he settles as that cost him the last time he went the course and distance. Nero enjoys this course and distance and should be running on into the money off a lowered merit rating.

In the sixth over 1600m King And Empire ran on well for a good third over course and distance on sand debut despite stumbling at the start and has a big shout from a good draw with Fortune remaining aboard. Tora Tora has dropped to a competitive sand merit rating and with Strydom up over a suitable course and distance should be thereabouts. Kidmambo has run well in both sand starts to date so could earn again although he has a wide draw to overcome.

In the seventh over 1600m Embrasiatic finished with a mouth injury last time and is now 2,5kg better off for a three length defeat by Polar Secret over course and distance so she looks the one to beat. Escudo has stayed on well behind two useful sorts in her last two starts and is drawn well over a suitable trip. Polar Secret is eight points higher in the merit ratings since her last win but she did it comfortably and is unbeaten in two starts over course and distance so should go close again.

In the eighth over 1000m Just Africa is well regarded and this speedy sort did well last time against a horse who came out and won impressively again in a turf sprint, so he could get it right here. La Tasca is 1,5kg better off with him for a 1,9 length beating so will be a big threat. Proud As Punch looks likely to enjoy the step down in trip and should be running on strongly with Strydom up.

By David Thiselton

Picture: Piere Strydom

Cape Town’s trainers have been issued with an unpalatable ultimatum and they are united in their belief that they must produce more runners to avoid the axe falling. But they are far from agreed as to how this should be achieved.

They have been informed by Phumelela boss Rian du Plessis and Kenilworth Racing chairman Chris van Niekerk that fixtures will be reduced and/or stakes dropped in races with less than eight runners if they do not produce an average of at least 12 runners per race.

This average, considered essential for betting turnover, has fallen from 12 to ten in the last three seasons.

Brett Crawford, a member of both the Cape trainers’ committee and the programmes committee, said: “I think the trainers need to ask themselves what should be done because there are certainly enough horses in Cape Town to make up the numbers.

“The problem is basically at Durbanville as people are not prepared to run horses there from bad draws. I am not sure what we can do – maybe some sort of incentive – but we need to sit down and discuss it.”

One trainer who asked not to be named was adamant that the draw for stall positions should be made after declarations and not, as at present, when entries close – “This is the way they have it in every other racing jurisdiction. The authorities know it would solve the problem but they won’t do it.”

It was tried a few seasons ago but many trainers were against it, hence the change back to the original system. Also horses drawn wide had a tendency to suddenly go off their feed, start coughing or develop sore shins!

Justin Snaith has a different solution, saying: “There should be nominations for ten races and you then run the eight with the biggest fields. Problem solved.”

Another trainer maintained that the fault lies with the programmes which are not mapped out quite as often, or with as much local input, as they used to be. They are now done twice a year instead of every four months when they were “closely allied to the horse census and demographics – and depending on how well races filled – and the Cape Town handicapper was also involved.”

It might be possible to ease some of the Durbanville problem in races from 1 000m to 1 400m by siting the stalls 20-25m out from the rail instead of right up against it. This would reduce the advantage of those drawn low, particularly if the stalls were set at a slight angle so that all horses started the same distance from the beginning of the bend. The course is wide enough to do this.

Owners are adamant that trainers must come up with a solution. One said: “I pay R 10 000 a month plus vet’s fees and I would rather see my horse racing once during the month, even if only for a chance of finishing third or fourth, than staying in his stable.”

Michael Clower

Daughter Candice said: “He now starts intensive physio and we will know more where we are after a week or so. He is still on dyalisis and he has to stay on that until his kidneys are right again.   He is a bit frustrated and a bit miserable.
Still, it is less than six weeks since he was at death’s door and arrangements are already in place for the prosthetic that will become the lower part of his right leg. He is going to have two of them made, one for daily use and one that swivels so he can play golf.

His horses gave him another boost at Durbanville on Saturday when dual Grade 1 winner Inara could hardly have won the Gold Circle Allowance Plate more easily. Sail For Gold, also partnered by Grant van Niekerk, had to work a bit harder in the Graduation Plate but he booked his Kuda Matchem ticket while Inara also returns on Saturday week for the Lanzerac Diana.

Candice said: “Inara stays in training and she will again go for the Paddock and Majorca – there is not much else for her in the Cape season. Most of the other races are sprints and she is no sprinter.”

Captain Chaos dropped out a little disappointingly in the final furlong of the Graduation and finished last but, significantly, his trainer was not in the least put out.

Ronnie Sheehan said: “It was like I told you it would be. He hadn’t seen grass for three and a half months and I’m happy because he lasted to the 200m mark before he tired.

“I’m not sure yet but I will have a rethink about the Matchem. I just might give him another three weeks and wait for the Cape Classic.”

Grant Behr was taken to hospital for x-rays on his right arm when Flying Mistral lived up to his name in the parade ring before the Pick 6 Maiden. The colt reared up and then landed on top of him before careering off dangerously towards other horses, while Behr staggered to his feet clutching his arm. Fortunately nothing was broken.

Brett Crawford and Corne Orffer won this with My Man Alex and completed a treble with Preoccupation and Bono Vox while CTS Million Dollar candidate Victorious Jay justified 22-10 favouritism under MJ Byleveld to add extra enjoyment to Vaughan Marshall’s short Mauritius holiday.

Punters got off to a disastrous start, backing newcomer Secret Seven from 5-1 to 28-10 favourite and letting stable companion Jets-A-Blazing drift from 5-2 to 9-2. The latter made all under Craig du Plooy while Secret Seven was among the backmarkers all the way.

“”I don’t know why they made Secret Seven favourite,” said a bemused Justin Snaith. “I suppose somebody must have heard a rumour but Jets-A-Blazing had the form to win.”

Joey Ramsden withdrew two of his runners because of dirty lung washes. He mentioned this problem in his most recent blog but played it down on Saturday, saying: “The vaccinations hit my horses quite hard this year but I am sure a lot of other trainers are in the same boat.”

The Donavan Mansour-partnered Around Not Across went some way towards proving his point by coming from last to first in little more than a furlong to spring a 12-1 surprise in the last. The handicappers also helped, dropping the gelding five points for his previous run.

Michael Clower

Due to steady rain over the past 24 hours, soft underfoot conditions and with more heavy falls predicted for Saturday, the meeting scheduled for Scottsville on Sunday, September 20, has been moved to the Greyville poly track.

All race times remain the same with Race 1 off at 13h05. However, the distance of Race 5 has been reduced from 2400m to 2000m and the distance for Race 6 has been increased from 1950m to 2000m.

Trainers will be given the option of scratching their horses because of the change of surface and there may also be eliminations from the first two races as they each have more than 12 runners at present.

For further information contact NRB on 031 314 1777.

ENDS

Scottsville has a low key eight race meeting on Sunday which follows hot on the heels of tonight’s meeting at Greyville, so punters are in for another rollercoaster weekend.

In tonight’s meeting the tips are Barbosa to beat Viva La Var in the first, Township Talk to beat Forest in the second, Khonza to beat Deeyala and Swan Dance in the third, Taku Wind to beat Shine Up and Texican in the fourth, Miss Stingray to beat Quintella in the fifth, Baracah to beat Bold Inspiration and Master Archer in the sixth, Variety Romp to beat Mambo Mime in the seventh, and Hold The Line to beat Salesman, Harrison, Var’s Dream and Delicious Damowin in the eighth.

At Scottsville Protea Power could open proceedings with Anthony Delpech up as this National Emblem colt drops back to the trip of his excellent penultimate start and is better drawn this time. Bagger Vance also ran well in his penultimate start over course and distance behind a top class sort and could be a threat if returning to form, having felt amiss on the Greyville poly last time. New Hampshire stayed on well behind a classy sort last time over course and distance and should be doing so again from a high draw.

In the second over 1200m, Tide Is Turning ran a decent sixth in the Gr 2 Debutante over 1200m after two good runs before that and is the one to beat here from draw one with a 4kg claimer up. Finding Alice represents a raiding yard which is in fine form and she hasn’t been disgraced behind two classy horses in her two career outings, although a concern is that she made a breathing noise last time. Ding Ding made a fair debut when green over 1000m at Scottsville and with natural improvement should be concerned in the finish over a step up in trip she should enjoy.

In the third over 1600m Lighting The Fire has been knocking on the door over sprints and is bred to go this trip and further, so is tipped to win. Dukes Drift has run two fair races over 1200m and will relish the step up in trip. Sheriff Hood improved last time over 1400m and the penny appears to have dropped, so he should be running on again.

In the fourth over 1600m Zilla ran on strongly last time over 1400m from way back to finish second to a promising sort and on that evidence will enjoy the step up in trip. Bois Cheri didn’t get a hundred percent clear run last time when staying on over 1400m here and she now has Delpech up from pole position over a step up in trip she should enjoy. Chapel House ran a fair race over course and distance last time and could earn in this uninspiring field.

In the fifth over 2400m Your Worship has continued to be consistent outside of the maidens and is drawn well over an ideal course and distance with the good jockey Keagan de Melo aboard. Barbarian ran a good race over 1950m here las time and on breeding could get this trip, although a concern was that he pulled up blowing and fatigued. Jay Boy could be interesting over this trip as one who stayed on well to win from the front over 2000m on the poly last time, because from a good draw he might get a tow from Eco Storm. The latter won well from the front over course and distance last time and is only 2kg higher in the merit ratings. Battle Hammer is course and distance suited and will be 4,5kg better off with Eco Storm for a 3,55 length beating despite his 4kg claimer carrying 2kg overweight.

In the sixth over 1950m Pioneer Spirit won well over course and distance last time and being by Go Deputy, whose progeny come into their own at this age, she could follow up with a 4kg claimer aboard. Stablemate Qatar Springs is also course and distance suited and has some excellent form so should be right there with a 4kg claimer up. Worship Dancer always catches the eye and has some hard-knocking form and Eva Tibbs and Mamasita must be considered too.

In the seventh over 1400m Joan Ranger impressed last time over this trip and is drawn well with Delpech up in this Novice Plate for fillies and mares where she is well treated at the weights on official merit ratings. Pacifica is the best in at the weights on official merit ratings and hasn’t been disgraced in her last two against good sorts so could go close from a good draw over a step up in trip which should suit. Well In Flight looks a decent sort in the making but has a tough draw in her first time around the turn. Shezaleader has been knocking on the door over course and distance and could earn. Pearl Emblem ran a cracker over 1200m last time and has won over course and distance before so should be thereabouts despite this being her second run after a layoff and jumping from a wide draw. Intergalactic is an improving sort who was hampered over this trip on the poly last time so can’t be ignored.

In the last over 1000m, Respect At Bay has a 4kg claimer up and is interesting in her first turf start as one with fine form over sprints on the Greyville poly. Lady Penrhyn is well regarded and has plenty of pace so should go close from a favourable draw. Sorbonne went close over course and distance last time and now has a more favourable draw, so should be thereabouts.

By David Thiselton

Picture: Pioneer Spirit (Nkosi Hlophe)

Impressive Cape Nursery winner Captain Chaos will be the focus of much attention at Durbanville tomorrow but he has it all to do to beat Sail For Gold in the Gold Circle Graduation Plate.

This is his first race for over three months and he has never been to Durbanville before, not even for a gallop. And, perhaps even more important, he has nearly three lengths to find with the older horse when you adjust their merit ratings for weight-for-age.

“He has been doing well but he might just be lacking fitness and I think he is going to be short of a gallop,” says Ronnie Sheehan.

“I didn’t run him in the Langerman and instead I put him away because I had a different programme in mind. He will now probably go for the Matchem, the Cape Classic and then the R2 million Lanzerac Ready To Run. At the moment he is second on the log for that.

“I could have taken him to Durbanville for a gallop but I didn’t want him peaking too soon and he has to go there for the Matchem. This time Sail For Gold could be a hard horse to beat.”

The top weight has to concede only 2kg compared to the 7.5kg of the weight-for-age scale and he has the benefit of a recent run – and a good one at that. River God could also pose a threat. He was only caught close home a fortnight ago and he is a course winner.

The Mike Bass stable should also win the Gold Circle Allowance Plate with the high class Inara who in January became the first three-year-old this century to win both the Paddock and the Majorca in the same season.

She has over three lengths in hand on ratings and, although she has been off since Durban July day, she should be up to the task. “She had a break after Durban but she galloped at Durbanville with Come Fly With Me last Thursday,”says Candice Robinson. “They will both run in the Diana Stakes after this.”

Midnight Breeze, well backed on debut only to suffer a slipping saddle, stands out in the first but her ten draw is surely the kiss of death. Jets-A-Blazing could be the one (she was forced to ease 100m out when a close-up fourth on debut) at the expense of Stockade who showed improvement last time.

BLOB Donovan Dillon must wonder whether he is coming or going since his move to Cape Town. He was criticised for riding Aspara to the line last Saturday and now the NHA’s Inquiry Board has suspended him for ten days for not riding a horse to the line!

This was Captain Swarovski who the Inquiry Board reckoned could have got fourth instead of fifth – and the ban has been imposed even though the course vet reported that the colt was blowing hard after the race.

By Michael Clower

Picture: Inara (Liesl King)