Streetfighting Man to leave maidens

Ken Nicol

Streetfighting Man should turn his back on the maiden ranks in Race 7 at Durbanville tomorrow.

This Australian import made good late progress last time to be beaten 0.5 lengths after a three-month break, and clearly has the best form in this field of largely welltried maidens.

He goes beyond 1600m for the first time, but being a late closer that should suit, and is a confident selection to fill the winner’s box.

Due Volte could come out best of the rest. He was a couple of lengths off our selection last time. Brandenburg, Mind Blowing and Troop The Colour can also feature in a race with plenty of collateral form, while year-older Fujin has a good record at this track, and could upset.

Race of the day is undoubtedly Race 2, a FM 96 Handicap. Only five runners are carded to go to post, but there is plenty of quality on display.

Another Aussie import is a narrow first choice, in the form of Candice Bass-Robinson’s Intothelimelight. She impressed when defeating another good youngster in Dynasty’s Blossom last time, and on her only previous visit to this track broke her maiden last September.

This will be no autumn stroll in the park though, and likely to go off favourite is Brave Move. She has won her last three races in facile fashion, and beat Intothelimelight (2kg better off) by over two lengths three runs back.

While her three-year-old rival has more scope for improvement, Brave Move is lightly raced herself, and this could turn into something of a titanic duel.

It doesn’t end there. Samsara is a smart little filly and cannot be disregarded. Then there is bottom weight Philae who has a promising apprentice up, and a mere 49kg to carry. Even off-form top weight Epona would have a shout if returning to best, but she hasn’t shown much enthusiasm for racing in recent appearances.