Alec Laird runs the improved Trippi gelding Solar Triptych in the Gr 2 R1 million Supreme Cup sponsored by SAP, but both he and the yard’s other feature race runner on the day Walking On Air are not officially well weighted in their respective events.

However, he did say both horses had been working well. Both horses will be ridden by KZN Champion Apprentice Callan Murray.

Solar Triptych carries bottom weight of 50kg, but is weighted 2kg below the top of his particular merit rated band and is therefore 3,5kg under sufferance with the best weighted horse in the race, the filly Jade Vine, and 2kg under sufferance with the best weighted males in the race, Deputy Jud and Isphan. Solar Triptych has improved as he has strengthened but is now five-years-old, so does not have much further scope despite being relatively lightly raced. However, he is an honest sort and would have come on from his last run, so could earn from a fair draw of seven.

Walking On Air contests the Listed Britehouse Supreme Fillies and Mares Stakes over 1450m. Her merit rating is also at the bottom of one of the merit-rated bands, which immediately puts her 2kg out. However, this five-year-old A.P. Arrow mare has shown amazing improvement this season with her turf rating improving from 62 to 79 and her sand rating improving from 62 to 84.

In her last two sand starts over 1450m and 1600m respectively, both handicaps, she has won by 6,8 lengths and 3,25 lengths respectively. In the 1450m start she beat Peep Show by 6,8 lengths, but is now 7kg worse off so they should finish on top of each other on paper, considering margins on the Vaal Sand are treated at 75 % of the normal length/distance factor by the handicapper. However, draws have become important over the course and distance and Walking On Air has cracked a fine draw of two, which will particularly suit her front-running style.

By David Thiselton

Picture: Solar Triptych (Nkosi Hlophe)