Louis Goosen is a bit of a Wizz at training sprinters and his charge Di Mazzio has taken to the poly track. The Aussie-bred with an American dirt pedigree is lightly raced but also unbeaten over 1200m on the Greyville poly in two outings and looks the part when he contests the Itsarush.co.za Handicap over course and distance this evening.
Last time out Di Mazzio was runner-up to the smart Wynkelder in the competitive Chapter Challenge 1200m final at Scottsville but in two starts prior to that he had galloped the opposition into the ground on the poly. He was only given a one-point penalty for his last effort and back on his favourite surface he should take some beating.
Di Mazzio (Candiese Marnewick)
Alistair Gordon’s stable is turning the corner after a spell in the doldrums and Marshall That led the field a merry dance when winning his last race over course and distance. He has not been the most reliable but is useful on his day and a repeat performance can see him give Di Mazzio supporters a fright.
Of the others, Autumn In Seattle and Al Ciberano warrant consideration.
Johan Janse van Vuuren makes the trip down from the Vaal with Torio Lake in the Track & Ball Fixed Odds Handicap with some fair Highveld form to back his claims. He was run out of it late in a Novice Plate last time out after showing good pace and the poly track could suit although he will have some stiff opposition from Graduate. The pricey son of Oratorio won well enough on debut although second-placed Bravo Zulu is no great shakes and is yet to shed his maiden. Last time out Graduate finished with a rattle, making up many lengths on eventual winner Burra Boy. That was over 1200m and given his last showing he should be more at home over the extra two furlongs and will be a serious threat to Torio Lake.
The Yogas Govender-trained Fonteyn has had many chances but has shown useful form at recent outings. She was a beaten favourite at her last two and can make amends in the Soccer 6 Qualified Maiden. Likewise, Symphony In Seven has been knocking at the door for some time now but could do better over this extended trip although she has the worst of the draw to overcome. Golden Minaret is starting to improve for Nathan Kotzen, catching the eye last time out, and is a must inclusion in all exotics.
Frank Robinson took Roy’s Riviera up to Turffontein on Summer Cup day and she was not far back behind Folk Dance. She was a smart third behind Hashtagyolo prior to that and a repeat should see her difficult to beat although Parabola made a smart local debut and takes to the poly for the first time. Charles Laird is due to retire next month and he will be looking to Bridal Veil for an early send-off. She has a light weight and should appreciate the step up in trip.
Lowan Denysschen had his first winner for some time when High Green won last Friday and he saddles Zilla in the Gold Circle YouTube Handicap. It often only takes one horse to break a drought and Zilla has all the right credentials to give the stable another winner.
Of the balance, Star Of Ceasour has been coming to hand slowly although she has a tricky draw while Jingle Belle needed her last run and had some fair Cape form before that.
By Andrew Harrison
