Andrew Harrison

THERE is something most satisfying when you watch a race with old campaigners giving it their all. They may not be top of the pile but they have earned their battle honours and those passionate about the sport and not desperate about the pay-outs appreciated their efforts.

Not the bing-bam-bang never to be seen again, Wayward (7yrs), Di Mazzio (7yrs) and Coldhardcash (5yrs), punctuated only by the lightly weighted Herecomestherain (3yrs), fought out a desperate finish to the second at Hollywoodbets Greyville yesterday with Wayward getting home two short-heads ahead of his rivals.

Ashburton-based trainer Shane Humby is not a ‘bing-bam-bang’ trainer but he gets the best out of what’s he’s got, even when it takes a little time.

Coldhardcash set a blistering early pace and in any lower rated handicap would have broken the hearts of his rivals, but Donovan Dillon and apprentice Kyle Strydom were always stalking the pace. Along with Herecomestherain, who came from near last, the pair took up arms inside the last furlong and in a desperate three-way tussle, with Dillon resorting to hands rather than the stick, Wayward edged them all out of it.

It was a Humby double in the fourth. With much of the expected opposition defecting for one or other reason, Command Control and Decorated looked the most likely pair to fight it out.

In short, it was no race. Command Control lived up to his name and strolled home to give Humby his second winner of the afternoon. Although it was an easy victory, eight lengths and gearing down, Humby was a little disappointed in that he would have liked a sterner test to see where his charge was placed in the handicap. This was only his sixth start and as a mature four-year-old there is scope for more.

The last developed into a two-way contest between Preferential and Diamonds And Pearls with the latter 2 kg better off at the weights and set to give the Humby stable a rare winning treble. But Diamonds And Pearls had the worst of the draw to contend with and that could well have been the difference between winning and losing in a tight race of this nature where a wide draw is almost equal to two points in the handicap.

Multiple Champion KZN trainer Dennis Drier always tries his luck in Cape Town during their season, whether he has the ammunition or not. This year was not one of his best but he his back in the saddle at Summerveld after the Cape sales. Local assistant Stuart Ferrie was on hand to saddle their ‘giant’ Spirit Of My Fate and, after trying to get the gelding to stay a little further, the “boss”, according to stable rider Sean Veale, said the shorter trip was the way to go. There is no substitute for experience in this sport!

David Thiselton

THE Grade 1 WSB SA Classic over 1800m has attracted a strong field of eleven and will serve as the latest round in the intriguing battle for supremacy among the three-year-old males.

Malmoos is the leading candidate on the Highveld in the race for Equus Champion three-year-old male as he is undefeated at home and in two out of province runs won the Grade 2 Concorde Stakes over 1600m and was unlucky when unplaced in the Grade 1 Cape Guineas.

On pedigree he should stay every inch of Saturday’s race over the tough Turffontein Standside track as he is a full-brother to Captain Splendid, whose two Grade 3 wins were in the East Cape Derby and the  Lonsdale Stirrup Cup, both over 2400m.

On running style he should also see it out as he ran handy in the WSB Gauteng Guineas and then emerged the victor of an eye to eye tussle in the straight with Copper Mountain and still had enough left to ensure the closing Catch Twentytwo could not catch him.

He excellent gatespeed helped him from pole position in the WSB Gauteng Guineas but possibly worked against him in the Cape Guineas from a wide draw as he ended up being caught outside of the frontrunning type Seeking The Stars. He will thus need some luck from a tricky draw of seven here and will hope the two known pacemakers Shah Akbar and Bingwa run alongside each other or a gap opens for him to slot in.     

Catch Twentytwo was staying on strongly for second in the WSB Gauteng Guineas and did not have as good a passage as Malmoos despite being drawn two so did well to finish just a quarter-of-a-length back. He is out of Argonaut one-time-winning sprinter Ignition Lady and is a half-brother to Fly Away who holds the course record for 1000m at The Vaal. However, he is by stamina influence Elusive Fort which gives him hope of staying the trip. He took a while to get going in the straight in the WSB Gauteng Guineas which suggested he was looking for 1800m but on the other hand he takes quite a keen hold early on and is drawn out in barrier position nine.

His stablemate Dr Doolittle is drawn widest of all. He should be up to this class as a typically progressive son of Ideal World’s who has twice carried topweight to victory in open handicaps over this trip, which is no mean feat for a three-year-old. He is one of three horses in this field who look suited to 1800m but were not suited by the muddling pace of the Grade 3 Sea Cottage over this trip. The other pair are the long-striding Al Muthana, who takes an age to get going in the straight, and Bold Jazz, who stays on steadily over shorter. Both of the latter have enough stamina on pedigree and could be outside contenders if they get a better pace.  

Copper Mountain stayed beside Malmoos doggedly for a long time in the straight in the WSB Gauteng Guineas and was being eased at the line so could have got closer than his 1,40 length third. On pedigree, being by Noble Tune out of a Fort Wood mare whose only win was over 2000m he should enjoy this trip and he has a fair draw of five although Raymond Danielson does not retain the ride. Callan Murray replaces him and Danielson is aboard Flying Carpet.

Copper Mountain’s stablemate Second Base, fourth in the WSB Gauteng Guines, has been at his impressive best over this trip and this progressive, big-actioned horse will have a fine chance from a good draw of four.

Flying Carpet is unfortunately drawn wide as he could have represented good value. He is way better than his last start, his first attempt at this trip, when caught wide and then being rushed around the field. He not surprisingly faded and this progressive horse could still be a surprise package if Danielson, who is no stranger to Grade 1 success, is able to get him covered up quickly. On pedigree he should relish this trip being by stamina influence Judpot out of a Kabool mare whose two wins were from 1950m to 2000m.     

Bingwa has some class but was exactly 2,50 lengths back in both the WSB Dingaans and WSB Gauteng Guineas which suggests he is held. One case that can be made for him is that having set the pace in the WSB Gauteng Guineas and being swamped he then proceeded to stay on as well as any of the four in front of him so he might be looking for this trip. He is by Pathfork and his dam by Century Stand won from 1200m to 1600m but there is some stamina further down the pedigree.

Shah Akbar has become disappointing after an easy win over the useful Nartje over this trip and will have to bounce back from two below par runs.

Kingsley’s Heart should enjoy the step up in trip on pedigree but he has not convinced he is this class.

MALMOOS and War Of Athena will be looking to keep their respective challenges for the WSB SA Triple Crown and the Wigerbosdrift Triple Tiara alive at Turffontein on Saturday.

Mike de Kock-trained Malmoos won the Grade 2 WSB Gauteng Guineas last month and will line-up in the Grade 1 World Sports Betting SA Classic over 1800m, the second leg of the Triple Crown, on Saturday. 

By the same token, Paul Matchett-trained War Of Athena will be looking to stamp her authority on the Triple Tiara with a victory in the Grade 1 Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic, also over 1800m.  

Malmoos, however, will be lining up against Catch Twentytwo, the runner he beat by a neck in the Gauteng Guineas. 

The same is not true for War Of Athena who will not have to contend with arch-rival Anything Goes, as Stuart Pettigrew’s charge did not stand her ground at final acceptance stage.  

Luke Ferraris is back aboard Malmoos and Muzi Yeni renews his relationship with War Of Athena. 

WORLD SPORTS BETTING SA CLASSIC (Grade 1) R750,000 1800m
1 – 7 MALMOOS (M F De Kock) L J Ferraris 60.0 – 117
2 – 9 CATCH TWENTYTWO (P A Peter) G Lerena 60.0 – 116
3 – 5 COPPER MOUNTAIN (J J van Vuuren) C Murray 60.0 – 113
4 – 4 SECOND BASE (J J van Vuuren) C Maujean 60.0 – 112
5 – 2 BINGWA (D Sham) P Strydom 60.0 – 109
6 – 11 DR DOOLITTLE (P A Peter) W Kennedy 60.0 – 105
7 – 10 FLYING CARPET (S G Tarry) R Danielson 60.0 – 101
8 – 3 KINGSLEY’S HEART (W H Marwing) W Marwing 60.0 – 101
9 – 8 SHAH AKBAR (S G Tarry) L Hewitson 60.0 – 97
10 – 1 AL MUTHANA (M F De Kock) C Zackey 60.0 – 96
11 – 6 BOLD JAZZ (P F Matchett) M Yeni 60.0 – 91
Same Trainer: (1,10) (2,6) (3,4) (7,9) 

WILGERBOSDRIFT SA FILLIES CLASSIC (Grade 1) R700,000 over 1800m
1 – 6 WAR OF ATHENA (P F Matchett) M Yeni 60.0 – 122
2 – 5 GEE FOR GO (P F Matchett) S Khumalo 60.0 – 106
3 – 4 MISS ELEGANCE (M N Houdalakis) P Strydom 60.0 – 106
4 – 7 CARALLUMA (S G Tarry) L Hewitson 60.0 – 101
5 – 3 MAGICAL FLIGHT (S G Tarry) L J Ferraris 60.0 – 92
6 – 2 SPARKLING WATER (M F De Kock) C Zackey 60.0 – 92
7 – 1 ONLY THE BRAVE (P F Matchett) K Matsunyane 60.0 – 88
8 – 8 NETTA (P A Peter) W Kennedy 60.0 – 87
Same Trainer: (1,2,7) (4,5) 

Andrew Harrison

IT could be a case of horses-for-courses in the OPEN A tabGOLD Account Handicap that heads up this afternoon’s poly card at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

Duncan Howells has always rated Coldhardcash as top class but his career has been limited by breathing problems. That has not stopped him from racking up six victories and the gelding has always been game in spite of his impediment. He is back over his favourite course and distance.

Coldhardcash was never in the hunt under 62kg on the Hollywoodbets Scottsville grass last time out, possibly the toughest 1000m in the country, and prior to that the extra furlong on the poly found him out the last bit.

He has a plum draw here and although this is a handicap there is little separating the first six in the weights with only Herecomestherain recieving any significant benefit from a light weight.

Di Mazzio is another old soldier and he too is back on his preferred surface. He has been dropping in the handicap and with accomplished apprentice Kyle Strydom claiming he must have a decent chance.

Kayson is ante-post favourite at around 17-10 and deserves his place at the top of the boards. He has been rested but is smart and could well prove too good quick for his older rivals.

The card opener is a tricky juvenile affair with young horses making big improvement as they gain in experience and maturity. Danse Milord has the widest draw but is quick and looks the part on current form. Route Sixty Six is the current ante-post favourite and although a distant fourth on debut she was short in the market. Judged on the betting she is expected to have come on from that. Bingin Beach made a promising debut and on to watch on the betting.  While Miss Quince is the shortest priced of the debutants.

In the third, East Coast Star has been costly to follow but she may be worth another chance given that she’s back on the poly where she has run her two best races. Peter Muscutt has also declared cheek pieces and a tongue-tie in what could be the last throw of the dice. Umkhomazi just needed her last run and should come on lengths from that effort while My Big Vision showed some improvement with blinkers last time out and can feature again.

The fourth looks fairly open as do the balance of the races on the card. Broadway made a promising debut from a wide draw and the extra should suit. He is a smashing looker and can make the required improvement to win here. Decorated has had two starts over shorter and should much prefer this trip. Command Control comes from an in-form stable. He is lightly raced and can still improve.

The fifth is a difficult affair where Theravada and Bernie’s Dream are vying for favouritism.

Theravada goes well on the poly and is overdue a win while Bernie’s Dream has been showing steady improvement in blinkers and should be right there again.  Knights Warrior is the rank outsider in the field but he has been up against stronger at recent outings and 20-1 about his chances may be worth a small each-way wager.

Winter Waves and Fly The Coup are lightly raced and look to have some scope. Winter Waves has made steady progress to shed his maiden and that form has since been franked. Fly The Coup won well enough on debut to suggest that he can take this small step up in class. Majorca Palace and Gentleman’s Way may be worth including in larger exotic perms.

Vivid Jet takes to the poly for the first time and has drawn wide but she came from well off the pace to win first time out after a break. Mark Dixon’s filly looks to be more than useful.

The two older fillies Wizz Of Odds and Georgina Rose are never too far back but a bigger threat could be Stella Act. She was never headed when winning over the Scottsville 1200m last time out and that bodes well for a similar effort this afternoon.

The last could develop into a two-way contest between Preferential and Diamonds And Pearls. They renew rivalry with the latter 2 kg better off at the weights but does have the worst of the draw to contend with. These two look the pick but the betting suggests a difficult fillies handicap. Marsanne steps up in trip and has a smart turn of foot. If the pace suits she will be dangerous while Silva Magic, Vihaan’s Pie and weak ante-post favourite Invisible are all in the shake-up.

Andrew Harrison

TRISTAN MUSTARD, grandson of July winning jockey Leslie who scored on Lightning Shot for Dessie Rich, has taken up a job as groom come workrider for top UK jumps trainer Nicky Henderson.

Mustard has already made a name for himself as a fearless rider, partnering some of the yards more difficult inmates in work. He used to ride Mot A Mot at work but said; “I don’t ride Mot A Mot any more. He’s a quiet ride with a lovely temperament.”

 Mot A Mot made headlines after winning at Chepstow last week when jockey James Bowen produced one of the rides of the season according to the television pundits.

Moments after the start in the Pertemps MPS Maiden Open National Hunt Flat Race, his rein broke. The 18-year-old looked down at the tack problem, which seemed to encourage the 9-2 shot to go faster and take the lead.

Bowen adjusted his balance aboard the grey, firstly to keep the partnership intact, but he then had to deal with the horse veering to his right on the bend.

“There seems to be some sort of issue with the leader who is hanging badly around the turn,” said the commentator.

With just one hand steering the horse, at a top speed of more than 40 kmph, he managed to guide him towards the rail.

Fortunately, the pair were able to navigate the final bend in a straighter fashion, but the drama wasn’t over.

Bowen looked behind him to see where their rivals were and nearly collided with the ‘wings’ that bordered the course.

Mustard was a pleased as punch groom in the winner’s circle.

Watch the race on youtube.

ANDREW HARRISON

THE stipendiary stewards who were officiating at Hollywoodbets Greyville yesterday, will have had their hands full and we could be looking to import jockeys for the next few meetings. Like cockroaches scattering in the kitchen when the lights are turned on, they were all over the course, whether it be bowling horses out of the gate or losing their compass in the straight.

The stipes would have had a hard time sorting through the culprits in the third. Lowan Denysschen looked to have had a change of fortune when the meeting was switched to the poly track with Crusade’s Star out-gunning the opposition in the second.

Two races later he was cursing his luck as High Green ended up the meat in the sandwich just as he was moving through to make his run.

Replacement rider Muzi Yeni was not entirely blameless as he allowed his mount to shift out slightly but he got hammered from both sides and would certainly have finished a lot closer than he did as he was shunted out of the race.

Anton Marcus was on the receiving end as Prince Karesh go ‘done’ out of the pens in the sixth and his mount never raising a gallop, not that he would have had any chance with winner Valiente who barrelled out of the gate and was not for the catching.

These were just a few instances that caught the eye.

A mile-and-a-half on the turf is a different race to ten furlongs on the poly but yesterday’s switch benefitted Dream Destiny, who in spite of carrying joint bottom weight and still under sufferance, took advantage of the switch in surface and a good ride from Yeni to land the fifth for Kom Naidoo.

  Favourites were in short supply yesterday and there is little to enthuse about in today’s Hollywoodbets Greyville meeting and advice to punters is to tread carefully.  The majority of runners are well exposed but are mostly limited which makes the handicap races a minefield and the maidens are similarly competitive.

But we soldier on.

In the first, Life Goes On was a well beaten second last time out but meets a modest field here and must have a strong chance and could be one of the better bets on the card.

In the fourth, Good Girl has useful form in sprints but is bred to stay this trip. She is lightly raced and if she stays the distance, she could be hard to beat but Two For Tea was deemed good enough to take to Cape Town for the season. She has had two runs back in sprints and should be much better suited to this trip and could prove a threat.

ANDREW HARRISON

PUNTERS face a difficult card at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today and some wet weather will add another degree of difficulty. That said, get it right and you will be sitting with a bulging wallet or a healthy account balance.

There are many first timers in the card opener but Ashley Fortune has left Silver Blue in KZN and she takes her chances against males. She found one too good for her in the well-backed Good Traveller but that experience will count. Crested Eagle was a little disappointing when fading late behind Good Traveller. He seems better than that but Donovan Dillon has jumped ship to partner debutante Prince Vihaan while Lord Varys should improve on his debut effort. The betting should be you most reliable guide.

The second is a tricky maiden. Trumpet Voluntary disappointed last run after two improved showings but he may be worth another chance. Crusade’s Star has run two of his best races on the turf and goes well this trip. The two well-bred first timers, After The Rain and Mr Cat will not have to be too sharp to feature in this line-up.

In the third, Coromandel was probably just in need of his last run, his first for a new stable and back from a break. He should come on lengths from that effort and get your PA off to a good start. Mr Pigalle has improved with every outing and should be running at them late and looks a threat while The Gaul finished just ahead of Coromandel when last they met and was also returning from a break. However, the former may just have a little more to come.

The opening leg of the Pick 6 is a wide-open handicap. Al’s My Daddy was having his first run for his new stable when returning from a break. He has some fair Cape form before that and at best should make a bold bid. High Green may prefer the poly but he did not get the best of rides last start and appears to be coming to hand again. Spring Fling was much improved with the blinkers off and won well enough to suggest a big chance in spite of a five-pound rise in the handicap.

Garth Puller holds a strong hand in the fifth but best of his runners could be Twice Golden. He stays well and was runner-up in a stronger field last outing. A repeat will see him into the money. Run To Denmark has done most of his recent racing on the poly but is a victim of his own consistency with his rating barely moving. Mrs Hotline showed up well last run on this course and should stay the extra in spite of taking on males.

The sixth is another difficult handicap but Princekresh is lightly raced but has his third outing after a break. He is also down in class so should feature prominently. Valiente was disqualified after an objection by the clerk of scales last run. His form before that was solid and with a 2.5kg claimer up he must be a big runner. Alfonsa Spagoni is up in class but was narrowly beaten over course and distance last run while Kings Road has put in two smart local efforts and goes well this course and distance.

If you are looking to cut on expenses it may be in the seventh where the two obvious choices are Fever and Double Gemini. Fever has done all of his recent racing on the poly but he has come well in blinkers and meets a modest field here. Double Gemini took a long time to shed his maiden but was never far off them. The form of his maiden win has been franked and he has a big chance in this line-up.

In the eighth, Tiger Tank has done well for his new stable. He was a well-beaten fourth last outing but his best form has been on the turf and he should be concerned in the finish. A Whole New World shows plenty of scope and goes well for apprentice Kyle Strydom while H Two made steady improvement leading up to his maiden win. That form has since been franked.

In the last, She’s A Keeper is lightly raced and obviously has problems but she has put in two smart efforts to date and should enjoy the extra furlong. Gary Rich sends out to lively runners in Arctic Princess and Boogie Shoes.  Arctic Princess reverts to the turf but she has good form since being tried in blinkers and looks a lively contender while stable companion Boogie Shoes has the worst of the draw but shows promise and is one to keep an eye on.

David Thiselton

VAUGHAN MARSHALL’S long-striding gelding Linebacker became the second high performing son of the champion sprinter Captain Of All to defy his pedigree when winning Saturday’s Grade 1 Jonsson Workwear Cape Derby over 2000m under Grant van Niekerk.

Shango was the first, finishing second in the Grade 1 SA Derby over 2450m last year having earlier won the Dingaans, but Linebacker is better and might turn out to be something special.

Linebacker jumped from the widest draw of all but Grant van Niekerk was able to find cover in the back half of the field. 

The Cape Guineas winner Russian Rock had meanwhile ruined his chances by refusing to settle in front. 

Linebacker’s stablemate Rascallion was effectively dictating in second place about five lengths behind the wayward Russian Rock.

In the staight Rascallion moved up well to take the lead and was soon challenged by the much touted The Gatekeeper, a full-brother to previous Cape Derby winner Legislate. 

However, Linebacker could afford to switch in looking for a run and then switch outward again before moving past the two protagonists in front effortlessly.

Van Niekerk just had to give him a couple of backhanders to keep his mind on the task and in the final stages was able to glance over both shoulders before easing him up to win by 1,50 lengths. Rascallion was runner up, half-a-length ahead of The Gatekeeper. Hoedspruit was a length further back in fourth, 2,25 lengths ahead of fifth placed Crimson King with Russian Rock next best. 

Linebacker has now beaten Rascallion four times in succession but interestingly has started double the odds of the latter, or more, on every one of those occasions. 

The public should now be convinced who the better horse is.

It was Marshall’s second Cape Derby win, the first being ten years ago with the Al Mufti colt Top Seller. 

The Marshall yard is famously linked to Al Mufti’s legendary son Captain Al and they will be thrilled to see the influence now being passed on by another generation. Captain Of All is of course a son of Captain Al’s.    

The SA Champions Season beckons and Linebacker looks to be a Vodacom Durban July candidate with the WSB Guineas and Daily News 2000 his obvious route.

He should not be given a hefty raise from his current 112 merit rating. The highest rated horse in the race was Russian Rock, but he did not run to form. The consistent Rascallion went in with a 110 rating, while The Gatekeeper was a 109.

On paper Linebacker  should be raised one point, although he will likely be given an extra two or three for the ease and classy manner of the win.   

With Rainbow Bridge in the July Linebacker will have to be higher than a gross 124 rating to carry more than the minimum weight for a three-year-old male of 53kg. Even if he wins both the WSB Guineas and Daily News 2000 he is unlikely to rise above that mark.

Rascallion, who had finished third, one behind Linebacker, in all three of their previous meetings this season, started favourite at 47/20 on Saturday, while Linebacker started 13/2. The reasons could only have been Linebacker having yet another wide draw and his pedigree suggesting he had a stamina doubt, whereas Rascallion looked to have no stamina doubt and was once again well drawn. 

Not only was Linebacker’s sire Captain Of All a sprinter but his dam Thin Red Line, by the speed influence Redoute’s Choice, had two career wins both over 1000m, although she did race mainly over a mile and also had a third over 1800m and a second over 2000m.

The stamina question mark has been answered and Linebacker must now be favourite for the Equus Champion Three-Year-Old male Award as he has versatility on his side too.

His three previous starts this season, all for runner up finishes, had been in the Grade 3 Cape Classic over 1400m, the Grade 2 Concorde Cup over 1600m and the Grade 1 Cape Guineas. He had to overcome wide draws in the last two of those races and was particularly unlucky in the latter race as he was caught wide throughout and then when seemingly having the race won he drifted in, away from the stick, which arguably cost him victory.

Justin Snaith hinted before Saturday’s race that the still maturing The Gatekeeper would be at his best towards the end of the season so he could still be a challenger and Malmoos, winner of the Concorde Cup and WSB Gauteng Guineas, is also still in the running for champion three-year-old. 

Linebacker was bred by Klawervlei Stud and is owned by Cheryl Gabler and Ken and Jane Truter.

DAVID THISELTON

TURFFONTEIN STANDSIDE hosts a meeting today which features four stakes races and this will whet the appetite ahead of the WSB SA Classic and Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic meeting next Saturday.

The first of the four features is the Listed Ruffian Stakes over 1000m and the topweight Naarah is the one to beat despite having to give 2kg to the one-time winners and 5kg to maiden Veneta. She has showed fine pace to win both of her starts. However, the list of precocious youngsters who win their first two starts well before failing at the first feature race hurdle is a long one as two-year-olds mature at different rates and the others can suddenly catch up. Bella Chica, for example, looks to have some scope and has Piere Strydom aboard so could be a threat. She is only 2kg better off with Naarah for a four length beating but last time the apprentice jockey might well have sat for too along as Bella Chica was doing good work late. Under Your Spell won easily on debut and also looks to have some scope. Heaven’s Girl improved third time out to win from start to finish over 1200m and is 2kg better off with Naarah for a 2,75 length beating over 800m. Supreme Quest stayed on well to win last time so is also not out of it. Veneta lost her race at the start on debut over 800m but seemed to have a fair stride and receiving weight from the rest can’t be ignored.

The next race, the Listed Storm Bird Stakes over 1000m, is just as open. Social Image improved second time out and quickened well off her strong pace so is the one to beat with her 2.5kg female allowance. Captain’s Run was just half-a-length off Naarah over 800m on debut and followed with a good win. He showed good pace in the latter race and quickened well to repel the challenger Heaven’s Girl. Hope Is Power did not record a great time on debut but won easing up and looks to have scope for improvement. Arctic Skyline was a bit green when finishing second last time out so could still improve. The first-timer Sheela is by the miler to middle distance Group 1 winner The United States (Galileo) out of the Listed-placed Trippi sprinter Trip To India. 

In the Listed Bauhinia Handicap Sweet Future is the selection. This long-striding daughter of Futura has plenty of scope and has good cruising speed. From a nice high draw she can mow down the field late. Tropic Sun broke through the stalls last week before a 1200m event and so not surprisingly faded late after showing her usual good pace. She is now over a fast 1000m so her pace will make her a dangerous contender. The small four-year-old Risk Taker might get a tow from the big horse Sweet Future towards the outside and she has a blistering turn of foot so she could be a danger too. Rapid Fire is 7.5kg better off with Anna Capri for a mere 0,75 length beating so is also in it. Anna Capri can’t be ignored as she is capable of blitzing any field. Last time she was tardily away so did not lead and yet still won. If she gets a good break this time she could follow up despite it now being a handicap which makes her task a lot tougher than last time. 

In the Grade 3 Acacia Handicap the lightweight Destinys Game is progressive and if she starts on terms can mow the field down in the straight. Wisteria Walk has blossomed and has been impressive in her two prep runs over 1400m and 1500m. Rio’s Winter has plenty of class and is distance suited and competitively merit rated. Magic School is classy and capable of carrying topweight from a good draw and will want to be more handy than last time. Mount Laurel is course and distance suited and well drawn. Wylie Wench and Seehaam are both officially under sufferance but look to have the ability to go close.