Delpech to earn his dues
CHAMPION jockey elect, for the second year running, Anthony Delpech, takes after cricketing mercenary Chris Gale. Like Gale, whose undoubted talents are open to the highest bidder, Delpech is in high demand, whether he be booked by his agent or approached by a trainer.
But one always needs to take note of whatever he’s booked to ride and Eastbrook is a case in point.
Delpech seldom rides for the relatively small yard of Karen and Greg Anthony so when he gets a call-up it’s best to take note.
At decidedly long odds for a Delpech ride, Eastbrook only found one too good on debut and he can build on that race when he lines up in the opening race at Greyville on Sunday.
Showing good pace throughout on his Scottsville debut, Eastbrook ran out of petrol over the final furlong to finish second to Across Seattle.
Still on the turf and from a good draw, Eastbrook is likely to start at much shorter odds than on his 11-1 debut. Michael Roberts, a ‘fair’ jockey in his day has booked Delpech for To Woo in the second and the pair can hopefully break their run of seconds.
All three of the filly’s starts have been in the soft, but judging by the weather forecast, she may be confronted by similar conditions with rain forecast for today and tomorrow.
Tombola
Tombola and Oratoria have shown promise and are obvious dangers while Petra, who showed up well in her barrier trial, has found some market support and is one to keep an eye on.
Bravo Zulu has been costly to follow and you desert at your peril.
However, he has had many chances and the lightly raced Sand Path could prove his nemesis in the opening leg of the Pick 6.
Sand Path has placed in both starts to date, his last outing coming three months after a smart debut effort and with Anton Marcus aboard he could prove the better choice although Bravo Zulu is a must inclusion in all Pick 6 perms.
There is no hiding class, even in a barrier trial, and little can be read into Saratoga Dancer’s trial romp as he makes his way into Champions Season. His nine-length ‘winning’ margin against a bunch of maidens was to be expected but Roy’s Stingray was best of the trailing trialists and judged on his opening salvo in October last year when beaten less than a length, she is a filly with some ability.
Irish Flame
Irish Flame and Lilibet, blinkers removed, could prove dangerous.
Amazon King has shown some improvement since being sent over a little more ground but he did not take well to the poly track last time out and was one-paced behind Varallo.
He shoulders top weight on Sunday but is down in class and back on the green stuff could see him back in the winner’s enclosure for Duncan Howells whose stable is starting to turn nicely.
Roll on South Africa’s Champion Season! Six maidens and two lowly handicaps make up the Greyville card on Sunday, hardly racing to get the blood pumping.