The name’s Ashton, Mr Double ‘O’ Eight
Expresso Martini to give Sakayi another winner
Race 6, a FM 86 Handicap over 1200m on today’s Greyville Polytrack appears to be a two-horse race between Double ‘O’ Eight (Ashton Arries) and Just Vogue (Warren Kennedy) – perhaps taking a Swinger/Exacta with TAB could pay decently. The former seems well above average, and makes most appeal having won her barrier trial and then followed-up with a runaway 2.50-length triumph over this very trip at Scottsville. That form line impressively boasts three winners which only strengthens Double ‘O’ Eight’s case. This daughter of Eightfold Path could prove far better than her merit rating of 76 suggests, plus she comes into this contest with a light 55kg to shoulder. The only chink in her armour is the widest draw of all she jumps from in this eight-horse field. Gavin van Zyl-trained Just Vogue is in great form at the moment and will attempt to score a third consecutive victory under Kennedy. She’s shown tremendous heart in both triumphs – winning by the whisker margins of 0.05 and 0.10 lengths respectively. She only carries 1.5kg more than Greg and Karen Anthony’s charge, and will be aided by an advantageous No 3 draw. Saying jockey Anton Marcus is in form is an understatement. He’s been firing on all cylinders and should add another winner to his rising tally when teaming up with Palace Rose in Race 3, a three-year-old Fillies Maiden Plate over 1600m. This daughter of Potala Palace returned to best in her latest performance when finishing second over 1200m at this course, beaten 0.75 lengths by Keep It Real. If her inspiring 0.05-length second behind Pearl Tiara over 1400m three runs back is any indication, the step up to 1600m should be exactly what she needs to win. She is widely drawn at No 9, but tops the best weighted column and has the most encouraging form in this field. Apprentice jockey Khanya Sakayi recently bagged his 20th winner and now only claims 2.5kg. He could be seen in the winner’s enclosure in Race 5, a FM 62 Handicap over 1900m where he rides Expresso Martini for trainer Paul Gadsby. This five-year-old is a course specialist and her last four performances comprise three wins and a third. She jumps from a plum No 1 draw and shoulders 58kg. That’s 3kg less than her main danger Illuminate who she beat by 0.35 lengths last time. Perhaps boxing the pair in Swingers and Exactas could be the way to go here. For the Quartet float the pair with Bold Beauty, Miss Ferris, Red Al, Aim For The Stars, Peggy’s Dream and Maneater.