Legislate looking good
WHILE Legislate’s stud career was cut short after suffering fertility problems, he’s back on the racetrack after an absence of two years, running in Friday night’s R400000 Merchants at Greyville Racecourse.
Gold Circle’s Andrew Harrison said Legislate is a favourite in the 1200m race, as is the Brett Crawford-trained Sunset Eyes, who finished second to stable companion Bold Respect in the recent Tsogo Sun Sprint.
“Sunset Eyes recorded his last win over Friday’s course and distance and both he and the Crawford stable are in mustard form.”
He said Milnerton-based trainer Joey Ramsden was disappointed with highly rated Attenborough’s run in the Tsogo Sun Sprint and the Grade 1 Computaform Sprint winner will be out to redeem himself on Friday.
Attenborough is from the same Western Winter crop as Sunset Eyes and they might be the pair to fight out the finish.
“Ramsden blamed a wide draw at Scottsville. He has fared better here and will jump from a mod-field draw of seven.”
One to look out for, according to Harrison, is filly Too Phat To Fly, owned by Sean Pillay and trainer Glen Kotzen, who was close-up in the Grade 1 SA Fillies Sprint.
“She should benefit from that run after winning her two previous starts at Kenilworth.”
Meanwhile, Serino Moodley and champion jockey-elect Lyle Hewitson are the only apprentice jockeys in the race.
Harrison said Moodley is a natural lightweight and although he will not be able to claim his usual 1.5kg weight allowance, Hoist The Mast will only be carrying 50kg for trainer Andre Nel.
SA log-leading champion apprentice Lyle Hewitson will ride Wonderwall for reigning trainer’s champion Sean Tarry.
Mandla Ntuli, said Harrison, is one of the unsung heroes of the weighing room and he has a chance of scoring the biggest win of his career when he partners the Tony Rivalland-trained Wynkelder.
“Ntuli gets on particularly well with the gelding, who has smart sprint form and with his handy galloping weight can make his presence felt.”
And Brandon Lerena rides top weight Bishop’s Bounty for Justin Snaith and owner Michael Leaf and the gelding is sure to improve on his disappointing Computaform Sprint run.
has organised a Race & Win Competition offering special prizes worth more than R50000 on Friday night. Serendipity Tours is sponsoring return air tickets for two to India, while Southern Sun hotels is providing two-night stays, including breakfast, for two people each at the Wild Coast Sun and at Sibaya Casino.
See page 21 for more horse-racing news.