Robinson eyes Classic races

SUMMERVELD trainer Frank Robinson said his two best horses, Roy Had Enough and Roy’s Riviera, were waiting on the draw for the Grade 1 R2 million SA Classic and the Grade 1 R1 million Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic respectively which are to be both run over 1800m at Turffontein on April 7.

Roy Had Enough

Roy Had Enough’s sire Pierro was a five-time Group 1-winning sprint-miler, who also finished third in the prestigious Group 1 weight for age Cox Plate over 2000m, and his dam Queens Plaza (Elusive Quality) is out of a Group 1 Australian Oaks winner.

Therefore, he should stay the 1800m trip, especially as he has been relaxing so well in the running since the blinkers have been removed.

Riviera’s sire All Too Hard was a great rival of Pierro’s and he ended his career as three - time Group 1-winner from 1400m to 1600m, although he did beat Pierro in the Cox Plate when finishing second.

Sir Tristram

Roy’s Riviera’s dam Donna Amata (Anabaa) is out of a Sir Tristram mare who won four times from 1600m to 21000m. Furthermore, Roy’s Riviera is a half-sister to a filly by Sebring who won a Listed race over 2100.

Therefore Roy’s Riviera should also relish the 1800m trip and her running style suggests the same. She did place over 2000m against older horses as early as October of this season.

King’s Cup

The pair’s alternative plan is the Grade 3 King’s Cup over 1600m of the Greyville turf, although they have both drawn wide in 14 and 21 out of 24 entries, so their participation might also depend on the size of the field.