Follow Sean Tarry Forafewdollarsmore
FIRST: THE CHAMPION TRAINER IS BACK IN THE LEAD ON THE TRAINERS’ LOG
Alec Laird-trained Ossetra looks the best bet on the card in Race 9.
Ruling champion trainer Sean Tarry has swept back into the most prominent place on the South African trainers’ table – first – and could notch up at least another win when racing is held on the Classic track at the Vaal tomorrow.
He saddles two runners in the main race of the afternoon, a MR 90 Handicap over 1600m Forafewdollarsmore and O Lucky Man. S’manga Khumalo will be in the saddle on Forafewdollarsmore with Craig Zackey booked for the stablemate.
O Lucky Man scored a runaway win in his second career start, beating Swing Vote over the straight 1400m at this venue, but was a trifle disappointing following a rest last month, so the nod goes to Forafewdollarsmore.
This Judpot gelding has not raced since May when winning his debut with a narrow victory over Ideal Secret, also over 1400m on the straight track. The runner-up has since franked that form with a maiden win and two seconds, including in the Graham Beck Stakes.
Forafewdollarsmore is well drawn in pole position and, if fit after a layoff, should prove too good for this bunch.
Stay With Me has only recently escaped the maiden ranks but his first win was full of merit. He beat Harlan County by a long neck over 1600m at Turffontein and the runner-up came out straight afterwards to win as well. Joe Soma’s runner could be the right one for Exactas.
Alshibaa, another maiden winner with masses of scope for improvement, and King’s County, who steps up in class but rarely runs badly, could complete the frame.
Best bet looks to be Ossetra in Race 9 over 1600m. The Alec Laird-trained fill has finished second in her last three starts.
Last time out she was all the rage but found Sabina’s Dynasty (won again next time) far too good over 1600m. There does not seem to be any horse of that calibre in this largely exposed field.