Palace Rose smells so sweet
ANTON MARCUS, who has got this season off to a rollicking start, doesn’t need the help of an agent.
He can pick his own plums and the looks to have plucked a ripe fruit in the third on the Greyville poly today.
He partners the Kom Naidoo-trained Palace Rose and although the filly can be difficult she looks to be head-and-shoulders above her rivals in spite of stepping up to 1600m for the first time.
Palace Rose has gone close on a number of occasions, including last time out when beaten under a length on the poly and of her rivals, only Face Of An Angel has finished within two lengths of the winner.
Palace looks to have this field at her mercy, but three that could be worth taking note of are Paradise Song, Cosmology and Counter Fate.
Palace Rose was priced up at around a seemingly generous even money yesterday with Paradise Song the only market mover.
Glen Kotzen’s filly was in from an opening call of 11-1 to around 8-1 so it may be worth taking note as she too stretches to a mile for the first time.
Cosmology
The Sean Tarry-trained Cosmology made no show in her barrier trial but is bred to stay today’s trip and further so any market support should not be ignored, similarly Counter Fate. Dennis Drier, recently crowned KZN’s champion trainer, has kept his filly to sprints but she did make marked improvement last time out.
The extra should suit so is another to warrant serious consideration is you do not fancy the antepost favourite.
Former Gr1 Premier’s Champion Stakes winner Gunner is taking ages to record a third victory but has been knocking at the door of late and today could be his day when he lines up in the fourth. However, he does take on a more than useful field and exotic bet punters may be advised to added a few for insurance.
Legend took on feature company last time out but has shown consistent form since his last win and the drop in class could just bring out the best in him. Royal Armour and Seattle Skyline are others that stand out.
Bold Beauty
Bold Beauty was a recent maiden winner but has had her problems and is lightly raced. She may well prove much better than her current rating and can follow up in the fifth but again she is no betting proposition.
Red Al found some strong market support in Gr1 company last time out and although not featuring, today’s opposition is way below the quality field of that run.
Espresso Martini, Illuminate and Peggy’s Dream look pick of the balance.
The sixth is another open affair where Via Sacra is a weak 7-2 ante-post favourite but she comes from a stable that has hit the new season running.
She is lightly raced but has never finished far back and the step up in trip, first up with a tonguetie and a 2.5kg claimer up makes her a must for all bets.
She faces the year older poly specialist Accidental Tourist who is proven over course and distance and the Howells stable is also coming to form.
Royal Kaitrina
Royal Kaitrina was a beaten favourite first run back from a successful Kimberley raid but she should prove more effective over today’s trip. Marcus appears to think so two and she must have a decent chance in the seventh, although again, not a betting proposition.
A qualified maiden rounds off the afternoon where Leslies Pathtofame and Trust In Gold are the obvious contenders while Lucara and Command Respect are others to consider.