Explorer to find his way home
MATCHETT’S CHARGE HAS SHOWN HIS WELL BEING AHEAD OF SPRING SPREE
Three-year-olds look best in For The Ladies Stakes.
Spring is in the air and that atmosphere will envelop Turffontein Racecourse tomorrow with the running of the R250,000 Spring Spree Stakes (Powered by DB Fine) over 1200m, Race 7, on the Inside track.
This event was formerly run as the August Stakes and took place on the Vaal sand. It has moved to the turf but will still be run around the turn. The problem facing punters when assessing this Grade 3 race is the fitness of the runners. The Spring/Summer season on the Highveld offers many pecuniary opportunities for owners and trainers so events like this are often used to prepare horses for bigger things to come.
Kangaroo Jack, Buckland, Amazing Strike and Lunar Approach all have the ability to win but fitness could be an issue. Kangaroo Jack has already won a Grade 2 event against older horses when coasting to victory in the Post Merchants at Greyville in June but has been penalised 10.5kg for his last three wins.
However, Gary Alexander’s charge has surprised people with his ability to carry big weights and if lack of fitness does not kick in late in the race, he must be a contender.
There are a couple of horses who have the talent to win and are fit and topping that list is Thrust. Had this race been run up the straight he would have been very hard to beat, especially with just 54.5kg on his back.
The son Toreador has had three runs on the Inside track and placed twice, but those have been over 1000m and he is a better horse over this distance. Randall Simons knows the horse well and is currently riding at the top of his game.
From No 2 draw he must be a massive runner.
If you like Paul Matchett’s charge you have to respect Angel’s Power as he is 2.5kg better off for a two-length beating in their last run. JP van der Merwe rides for the Mike Azzie yard.
Prince Of Orange is another who looks to be coming to form. He has run against some top performers and the five-year-old son of Indigo Magic did well last time to finish a 0.75-length second to Awesome Adam, considering Candice Dawson’s charge gave away 8kg.
His only run over 1200m was on debut and could find this trip a touch short.
Two talented three-year-old fillies could fight out Race 6, the Locfire Services - For The Ladies Sprint (Non-Black Type) over 1200m.
Myfunnyvalentine finished fourth in the Grade 1 Allan Robertson Sprint in June while Pool Party looked impressive when capturing a Novice Plate for fillies and mares last month.