Legal Eagle has usurped Marinaresco at the head of the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate market. When Word Sports Betting priced up Saturday’s Kenilworth highlight last Tuesday they took the view that Marinaresco would reverse Green Point running with the Horse of the Year.

But seemingly punters – or at least the early ones – think otherwise because most of the money so far has been for Legal Eagle and by yesterday last year’s winner had shortened from 14-10 to evens with Marinaresco drifting to 14-10.

The challengers’ connections know their horse faces a formidable task. “Unfortunately he is again not drawn well and I don’t think he is as good over a mile as he is over 2 000m,” says Candice Bass-Robinson, adding that the Sun Met is the main objective. “Legal Eagle is a hard horse to beat over a mile but we are going to give it a try.”

Her hopes, and those of Grant van Niekerk, were boosted by an impressive five furlong solo sprint-up by the Champions Cup winner over the course last Wednesday.

The Conglomerate has drifted from 10-1 to 14-1 but punters missed the July winner’s work-out over the full race distance at Kenilworth on Saturday. “It was probably the best bit of work he has ever done,” says a buoyed Joey Ramsden. “In a way this is a prep for the Met – he does need another race – but his Summer Cup run was incredible and he is not in this just to make up the numbers.”

Captain America, fourth last year and 14-1 this time, is the shortest-priced of Brett Crawford’s three (“he is in good form”)with Sail South (35-1) and 60-1 shot Midnite Zone his other two. The presence of the last-named raises the intriguing possibility that he could be used to make the pace for Legal Eagle and The Conglomerate as he also carries the Mayfair colours. But too searching a gallop could play into Marinaresco’s stamina strengths.

Bela-Bela is 12-10 favourite for the Maine Chance Farms Paddock Stakes but seemingly stable companion Star Express has a better chance than her 9-1 price would suggest. “Bela-Bela needed her run last month and has been doing very well since,” says Justin Snaith who has 37 declared over the two days. “But Star Express will be right there. She is a very good filly and there won’t be much between her and Bela-Bela.”

Silver Mountain (28-10) has a length and a half to find with Bela-Bela on last month’s 1 400m run. “I certainly wouldn’t say she can’t do it – depends whether she gets the trip,” says Mrs Robinson. “She has done will since that run and she is drawn well so Grant will be able to slot her into a nice position.”

Mike Robinson, bullish about 16-1 shot Goodtime Gal, points out that this is the second run after a break for the two at the head of the market. “Mine will be the fittest horse in the race,” he says. “It’s a pity Richard Fourie couldn’t stick with her (he is claimed for Final Judgement) but she is a straightforward ride so I don’t think Gavin Lerena will have any problems.”

Last year’s Investec Cape Derby winner It’s My Turn (Piere Strydom) skips the Queen’s Plate to shoulder top weight in the Glorious Goodwood Peninsula Handicap. “A mile is too short for him,” Snaith explains. “This is another prep for the Met and on January 28 he will be ready.”

By Michael Clower

David Thiselton Selections

Race 1
(4) Mujallad (5) Quinlan (8) Lolita Delago

Race 2
(2) Flying Russian (1) Timeofthevikings (3) Vars Pride

Race 3
(7) Handsome Henry (2) Al Hamd (8) Island View

Race 4
(3) Being Fabulous (2) Sharp Princess (9) Gold Shades

Race 5
(4) B Twenty One (3) Bondiblu (7) Barcelona Babe

Race 6
(1) Doosra (4) Furiosa (2) Daffiq

Race 7
(4) French Legend (2) Arissa (6) Queenie

Race 8
(6) Rebuked (3) Romi’s Boy (1) Mombela

David Thiselton Selections

PA (R216)

Leg 1: 2 x 1 x 3

Leg 2: 7 x 2 x 8 x 3 x 10 x 1

Leg 3: 3

Leg 4: 4 x 3

Leg 5: 1 x 4 x 2

Leg 6: 4 x 2

Leg 7: 6

PICK 6 (R2250)

Leg 1: 7 x 2 x 8 x 3 x 10 x 1

Leg 2: 3

Leg 3: 4 x 3 x 7 x 10 x 8

Leg 4: 1 x 4 x 2

Leg 5: 4 x 2 x 6 x 7 x 8

Leg 6: 6 x 3 x 1 x 7 x 2

JACKPOT (R75)

Leg 1: 3

Leg 2: 4 x 3 x 7 x 10 x 8

Leg 3: 1 x 4 x 2

Leg 4: 4 x 2 x 6 x 7 x 8

BEST BET
Race 4: 3

VALUE BET
Race 8: 6

Rated the 87^th best trainer on the TRC Global rankings, champion trainer Sean Tarry can move up a notch or two if Heaps Of Fun can crack the Flamboyant Stakes at Greyville on Sunday. The Grade 3 event is the traditional New Year opener and has attracted a smart field headed by the Gr2 Gauteng Fillies Guineas winner.

Tarry is in lethal form at present and add Anton Marcus to the mix and you have to add another length or two to the filly’s chances.

The daughter of Visionaire looks to have had the ideal preparation into this race. Given an extended break after finishing a couple of lengths back to Inara in the Gr1 Garden Province Stakes on July day, she has been given to sprints as a warm-up into this race. She bumped the ultra-promising Green Pepper in her comeback run and showed the benefit of that outing when second to the more than useful Joan Ranger over 1200m at the Vaal.

The mile will be right up her ally and she will have more than just a few supporters.

However, she does face a talented field. Dawn Calling has still only recorded a single win in her 10 starts but has been runner-up in two important features as a juvenile. With that in mind Duncan Howells built her up for a crack at the Gr1 CTS Cape Fillies Guineas last month but she ran into all sorts of trouble as Piere Strydom, battling a slipped saddle aboard Final Judgement, ripped across her bows and denied her any chance she may have had. It was a long and expensive trip spoilt by no luck in running.

Howells won this race two years back with now UK-trained Same Jurisdiction and is confident of her chances. Dawn Calling is in receipt of 5kg from her older rivals and the one gate over the Greyville turf mile is a huge plus.

Vaal-based Paul Peter saddles the consistent Fort Ember who looked a winner before being caught by Patchit Up Baby in a recent conditions race at Turffontein. Behind her that day was the luckless grey Negroamaro. Her recent Highveld form is very consistent but Howells will know what he is up against in Fort Ember as he trained Patchit Up Baby before she was moved to the Highveld.

Olma and Lala finished first and second respectively in this race last year and Frank Robinson is confident that Olma has finally turned the corner after a string of disappointing results.

“I gave her a break after her run in Johannesburg in August, so she needed the run at Scottsville. It was a preparation race for the Flamboyant and the ground was also a bit hard for her,” said Robinson earlier in the week. “She likes a bit of sting out of the ground and Greyville is in good condition at present. We have also worked on her joints since that last race and she has turned the corner. She has been working well and moving very well.”

Robinson went on to add, “If she is herself she will win this race.”

Lala comes into the race off good form, beaten a neck by the in form Little Chapel over the Scottsville mile giving the winner 5kg. Against her is a difficult draw.

By Andrew Harrison

Previews and Tips Greyville Sunday 01 January

Race 1
Preview: Keep an eye on the betting but ARGO MAGIC made a promising debut after being well supported in the betting. The experience could give him the edge. Stable companion SUPA MUFTI drifted in the betting behind stable mate Royal Explorer and should also improve. (Andrew Harrison: 1-7-)

Race 2
Preview: GLEN COCO was narrowly beaten last run but has not been far back in all his races. He meets a weak field here and rates the one to beat. FOUNDING FATHER has shown some ability and looks second best. YORKSHIRE DALES and the blinkered ORIOLE could fill the minor placings. (Andrew Harrison: 2-3-4-9).

Race 3
Preview: FLORRICK is a long-time battler but tried hard when runner-up last outing and can finally go one better. DIAMANTE was sent out a weak favourite last start and finished a modest third. That was only her second outing and she can still improve. BURFI is another struggler but has improved in blinkers and now steps up in trip from a good draw. OYSTER POND may just have needed her last start and should prove better over this trip. (Andrew Harrison: 1-11-3-6).

Race 4
Preview: GOOD GRACE is down in class and may just have needed her local debut. Marcus stays with the ride. ONESIE did well first run out of the maidens when second to the progressive Miss Minver. She has a tricky draw but can still go close. SHIRLEY VALENTINE shed her maiden last start but enjoyed the trip. She now races in blinkers and can follow up. SILVER INSPIRATION has a pencil behind her ear and runs every other week. She has been over shorter of late but will be super fit. (Andrew Harrison: 1-5-2-4).

Race 5
Preview: NIGHT CIRCUS was a recent maiden winner but at his third start. He meets a weak handicap field here and looks capable of following up. PRINCIPATE was not too far back on  his handicap debut and stays the trip. ROCKEFELLER has been consistent on the poly. He switches to the turf where he has run his one bad race but that was on debut. He should have a good chance in this field. JAY AGAIN is struggling for his next win but was running on well last start and can finish in the money again. (Andrew Harrison: 1-4-8-9).

Race 6
Preview: MR WINSOME won with a lot in hand at his last start and was given a maximum penalty. He has a big weight here but looks capable of following up. FRIKKIE was second best behind Mr Winsome but is 3kg better off and should finish a lot closer. FRENCH REVOLUTION has been struggling for his next win but has not been far back. With Marcus aboard he could get it right this time around. MARK MY CARD is always game and is back over a trip which may suit her better. (Andrew Harrison: 1-6-4-7).

Race 7
Preview: HEAPS OF FUN has had two sprints since a break and both were good efforts in strong company. This looks to be her optimum trip and she rates a big chance in a competitive field. DAWN CALLING found traffic in the Cape Fillies Guineas and never got a clear run. She has smart form on this course and off a light weight rates a big threat to the selection. FORT EMBER looked a winner before being caught by Patchit Up Baby last run with Negroamaro behind her. Her recent Highveld form is very consistent. LALA has a difficult draw but is never far back and can run into the money again. (Andrew Harrison: 1-12-4-3).

Race 8
Preview: Open race. NAPOLI has improved in blinkers and has been racing over shorter. He can do better this trip. LUCKY LUCIANO has been in good form on the poly. He has some fair Highveld form in stronger company and if taking to the turf should be right there. MR O’NEILL has taken a 6-point drop in the ratings and is back on the turf. His poly form has been consistent and he has a chance in this company. MARRON needed his last start and although drawn a touch wide the extra should suit. SNOWMAN takes a big drop in class but takes a corresponding hike in the weights. He also has a coffin draw but he can improve on current form. (Andrew Harrison: 4-2-7-6).

Race 9
Preview: DEEP DOWN REBEL is a smart filly and although she has a big weight she could prove a cut above this opposition. WINTER AURALIUS has been trying further but has not been far back and the drop in trip could suit. ZLOTY POTOK has yet to run a bad race but make his poly debut. He has the best of the draw. NEWYORKSTATEOFMIND has very good poly form but switches back to the turf from a wide draw.  (Andrew Harrison: 1-7-3-6)

In spite of extensive lobbying, quarantine regulations have scuppered any chances of Mauritian champion Parachute Man competing in the Gr1 Sun Met at Kenilworth on 28 January.

In a notice to the horse’s owners, trainer Ricky Maingard said that, “it is with regret that we have had to call off Parachute Man’s participation in the forthcoming Sun Met.

This is due mainly to the South African Directorate of Animal Health refusing to consider the use of the Kenilworth quarantine (officially approved as an outgoing quarantine station) for our use on arrival in the RSA where Parachute Man and his travelling companion could be trained each day preceding the race.”

There were hopes of the Gauteng autumn season after the Met but those plans have also fallen through.

“The next opportunity for Parachute Man to fly out to South Africa is only in March and quarantine in Johannesburg (30 days with no training facility), is far too late.”

There were also plans for Champions Season in KZN. “But he would be an unfit horse leaving quarantine mid-April, with only two and a half months to get him to his peak which is very tight, even assuming that nothing goes wrong with his preparation,” summed up Maingard.

“After the July season, there would of course be the Gauteng Autumn carnival in October/November followed by a crack at the Met in January 2018 if all went well.

“The drawback is the fact that Parachute Man will then be a year older and most probably past his very best,” he concluded.

The owners of Parachute Man will meet early in the New Year to discuss the various options but for the immediate future, the horse will come out of isolation, put out of work and given a well-earned rest at Floreal.

By Andrew Harrison