However, his regular rider Piere Strydom felt punters should exercise some caution in their exotic selections.

Lafferty said about the brilliant colt’s preparation, “His weight is good and we’re very happy with him.”

The laid back Australian-bred by Haradasun fell asleep early on the journey last time, which began at midnight, and had only lost 2kg by the time he stepped out of the float at Turffontein on the morning of the race. It is a good long walk from the point of arrival to the saddling enclosure, which gives the horses ample time to stretch.

The Charles Laird-trained Rich Girl had travelled and arrived at the same time and went on to win the R3,85 million Emperor’s Palace Ready To Run Stakes, so the formula appears to work.

Harry’s Son has never officially raced in soft ground before, but Strydom recalled that there was a bit of cut in the ground in the Graham Beck, so is not worried about the rain that is forecast to be falling consistently, but not heavily, throughout the week He has a tougher draw this time of nine, but relaxes well so the great 5000-winner jockey should have no problem placing him and he will certainly relish the 1600m trip.

Strydom rode one of the apparent dangers Front Rank to a facile 5,5 length victory in soft ground over course and distance last time, but said, “Front Rank won very well in the soft but Harry’s Son is better. But the thing about Harry’s Son is that he travelled all the way to Johannesburg for that last  race then went back to Durban and now has to travel back to Johannesburg again. Taking that into account punters should be cautious and include Jayyed.”

Contrary to Strydom’s cautious approach one of the most experienced travellers both as a jockey and trainer between Durban and Johannesburg, Gavin van Zyl, believes that horses can travel up and down twice without a problem but not three times, so according to his theory Harry’s Son should not be affected.

Harry’s Son has the Mike de Kock-trained Jayyed well held on the 1400m form of the Graham Beck Stakes, but on the form of the Gr 1 Premier’s Champion Stakes over 1600m at Greyville run on the last weekend of last season there is only a neck in it.

Lafferty and Strydom will also team up in the Gr 3 Magnolia Handicap over1160m with the talented four-year-old Australian-bred Choisir filly Goldie Coast, who ran a good 3,75 length fourth last time over 1400m in a hot Conditions Plate race on Graham Beck day, especially considering she set the pace which would have blunted her excellent burst of speed. She should be able to sit in behind over this trip and Lafferty said she was “very well” and “versatile”, so is an interesting runner.

Picture: JC Photos