Vase may go to Helderberg
Jack Milner
The Grade 3 SABC Gold Vase over 3000m is usually seen as a pointer to the Grade 2 Gold Cup at the end of the month and this could prove the ideal preparation for Helderberg Blue.
This Candice Bass-Robinson trained six-year-old ran second in the Gold Cup last year but his path to the 3200m race was through the Betting World 2200.
He was the talk of the day and when he finished fourth, thousands of Place Accumulator tickets ended up on the floor.
Like so many of progeny out of Our Table Mountain, mercurial Helderberg Blue has not been the easiest of horses to train but off his current merit rating of 105, should be competitive at this level.
Aldo Domeyer picks up the ride.
Serissa is one of those gallant horses who always gives you a run for your money.
He turns eight next month but Sean Tarry has a knack of keeping these older horses interested in racing.
He has generally raced over 2400m but did run in the Gold Cup won by Wavin’ Flag in 2014 and was only beaten 3.95 lengths. His staying power has probably improved with age.
Sun On Africa has only recently been tried over longer distances and will tackle this trip for the first time.
He ran a great race to finish a 0.50-length second behind Mr Winsome at level weights in the Grade 3 Track And Ball Derby at Scottsville last month and the winner is lining up in the Durban July.
Gareth van Zyl has performed superbly with owner Brian Burnard’s string and Sun On Africa could turn into a decent stayer.
Captain Splendid won the Grade 3 Lonsdale Stirrup Cup over 2400m with Piere Strydom up and he returns to ride Justin Snaith’s charge.
He looks held by Sun On Africa on the Derby run but finished fifth in last year’s Gold Cup and should be competitive.