KwaZulu-Natal Stakes moved to Greyville
WASHED out a fortnight ago and postponed again after the first race at Scottsville on Sunday because of a patch of uneven going due to inclement weather, the KwaZulu-Natal Stakes (Listed) meeting appears jinxed.
The balance of Sunday’s nine-race card was rescheduled to Scottsville Wednesday, April 18, but after a track inspection yesterday afternoon, Tuesday, April 17, a decision was taken to move the meeting to the Greyville poly track. The Greyville meeting scheduled for Wednesday has been moved to Friday night.
Gold Circle Racing Executive, Raf Sheik, said the Scottsville track had not dried out sufficiently.
“The panel decided that rather than do irreparable damage to the turf on the eve of Champions Season, it was agreed by the majority of the inspection panel that the meeting should be moved to the poly track.”
Punters should take note of the change of surface that will result in many scratchings as the poly track can only accommodate 12 runners. There are also revised starting times, the first race off at 12.50pm.
The exotic bets remain as carded but because of the change of surface, all bets struck on Sunday’s Scottsville meeting will be refunded.
At the time of writing, not all trainers had been informed of the switch of surface so some runners mentioned in this article may be withdrawn.Statute will make her poly debut if Michael Roberts lets her take her chances but the switch of surface and the 1000m my be on the sharp side for the younger sister of Vodacom Durban July winner Legislate and although Statute appears to be a sprinter at this stage of her career, both of her defeats have come around the Greyville turn .
Anyway, Michael Roberts will know exactly where he stands with the filly come evening.
Statute is up against some seriously quick opposition that includes Captain’s Girl, Jo’s Bond and Neptune’s Rain amongst others.
Louis Goosen saddles three quick fillies in Captain’s Girl, Effortless Reward and Hashtag Strat.
Best of the trio could prove to be Captain’s Girl in spite of finishing behind Effortless Reward last time out.
She has had one outing on the poly over the distance and was only run out if it late, so she should handle the switch of surface. In her race behind Effortless Reward, she was the stable elect but blew her chances when getting upset at the start.
She put up a smart piece of work at Ashburton on Monday so certainly looks competitive.
Neptune’s Rain is the highest rated filly in the race but this five furlongs may be on the sharp side given that she makes her poly debut as confirmed by Duncan Howells. “She is not well weighted and she would prefer 1200m.”
Stable companion Lunar Rush seldom runs a bad race but would also prefer an extra furlong or two although the poly holds no fears for her.
Last year’s winner Jo’s Bond may prove to be a better proposition. Justin Snaith’s filly has been winless since that victory but has been up against some smart opposition. She is quick and from her inside draw is a must inclusion in all bets.
Vision To Kill spiked a temperature so has been scratched but others in with winning chances are Effortless Reward, who found her best form last time out but would probably have prefered the soft ground at Scottsville, while Sommerlied is far better than her recent Cape form. The diminutive Hashtag Strat is lightning quick and although drawn wide she will be a factor on the poly.
After winning his first two in facile fashion, Billy Silver was sent to the Cape to take his chances in the CTS $500 000 but he never made the field after finishing down the field in the Cape Classic.
Both Cape starts were well below what was expected but he trialled well on the poly, beating home My Pal Al on his return, and should make a bold bid in the sixth. He was doing his best work late behind the rejuvenated Hack Green last Sunday week and that run should have brought him along. The progressive Majestic Glory could give him a go. “He’s a smart horse and working very well at home,” said Paul Lafferty. “He’s improving all the time.”