Oligarch is set to rule
WINNING first time out of the maidens is always difficult but given a modicum of talent at this time of the year in KZN it is a little easier as She’s A Dream showed at Greyville on Wednesday.
Mark Dixon’s filly does look a cut above the average but Oligarch does not have to be anything super special to register his second win when he lines up in the Klinger Mzansi Handicap at the same venue tonight where all the races are on the poly.
Oligarch, a son of Kahal whose progeny take well to the poly track, had come unstuck in a few of his early starts but blinkers and the poly track appear to have brought out his true ability. After an improved effort behind Tommy Grand, he followed up with a comfortable maiden victory.
Kannemeyer
The only three-year-old in the race, he takes on some seasoned opposition, but the Dean Kannemeyer stable is currently in mustard form with three winners at Greyville on Wednesday, all from tricky draws, and the extra furlong should also suit Oligarch.
Alyson Wright’s filly Green Ice has similar credentials to those of Oligarch, possibly even stronger. After showing good form in feature company as a maiden, she made short work of her opposition when back in maiden company, beating Flamenco Dancer.
Miss Suey
She too takes on older opposition but was good enough to finish just over three lengths back to subsequent Gr1 winner Lady In Black in her first start on the poly and a repeat of that effort should be good enough to see her home where the dangers are Miss Suey and Jingle Belle who makes her local debut after a much improved effort at Kenilworth last time out.
The Greta Schoeman Memorial Handicap has a wide open look about it and the list of possible winners is a long one. As mentioned earlier, the Kannemeyer yard has hit form with a vengeance and Orelia can follow up on her recent victory.
The draw is not in her favour but she only picked up a two-pound penalty for her win and although she takes a jump in class, her form is nothing if not consistent.
Magic Memory is another that rises in class but was touched off in her first run back from a break by the width of an onion skin in second behind Art Attack. She shed her maiden over course and distance before following up in easy fashion. But she has drawn one gate inside of Orelia so they both start at a slight disadvantage.
Onsie
Rae’s Dyna Jet, Onsie and Leisure Trip are all in with chances while Mark My Card has been up against males at her last two outings and victory would not come as a major surprise.