Van Zyl and Kennedy Marchingontogether
RAIN has not only bedevilled racing in KZN but also on the Highveld and some trainers are looking elsewhere for relief. Turffontein-based Paul Peter is in the vanguard with three runners at Scottsville today and some of his Highveld colleagues, notably Chesney van Zyl, have also cottoned on. Sunday’s rescheduled meeting is headed by the umThombothi Stakes (Non-Black Type) over 1950m where weights are allocated according to number of wins which sees Legend at the top of the handicap. On official merit ratings, Legend will have his work cut out in this company in spite of two recent forward showings, especially as he is up against a quartet of progressive threeyear-olds.
Chesney van Zyl raids with top-rated Marchingontogether and Stream Ahead while his father Gavin also holds a competitive hand in Affranchi and the year older Blackball.
Add to this the progressive Duke Of Spin and the smart filly Flichity By Farr and we have the ingredients for a good contest.
Marchingontogether and Stream Ahead both took their chances in the Gauteng Guineas, both finishing down the field. The race was run in yielding going but Van Zyl Snr confirmed that those runs were way below par. Speaking on behalf of his son he said the blinkers come off Marchingontogether and the tongue-tie comes off Stream Ahead and both were in a good space as was Affranchie.
“He’s coming on nicely and I think we have finally got to the bottom of him,” confirmed Van Zyl.
“Affranchi has not run up to expectations since switching to the Van Zyl yard but he has been showing signs of life at recent outings.
“Blackball raced wide with no cover last start so I’m expecting a better showing from him as well,” said Van Zyl. “I can’t single out any one of our runners but I think the winner will come from one of them.
Duke Of Spin, the lowest rated of the three-year-olds was palpably in need of his last run and his efforts were not helped by stable companion Legend giving him a rough passage. He looks like a smart colt and a win would not be unexpected.
Best weighted is Alyson Wright’s filly, Flichity By Far. However, she has not been out since October last year where she proved to be more than useful over marathon trips so this race, her first in over three months over a trip short of her best, does look like a warm-up although she will probably race fresh.
The White Horse Function Room Handicap is a competitive sprint but it may be worth following Anton Marcus who stays with the Nathan Kotzentrained Cumulus.
The gelding has shown flashes of ability, having run recent eight-time winner Ronnie Rocket to within a length and his last two efforts have signalled a change in fortune.
A change of tactics could also be in order and Cumulus is likely to be running at them late.
Given all the recent thunder storms, his name could be an omen. Of the balance, Buffalo Soldier is smart on his day while the grey Isca hacked up in a weak four-horse barrier trial but did show his well-being and he loves this course.
Finally, Darryl Moore looks to have a potential star in the making in Woodstock Festival and a win in this company will set him on the road to bigger things.