Dixon’s Inverroche going in for a cool million

Jack Milner

After her third place behind Mighty High in the Grade 1 Allan Robertson Championship over 1200m at Scottsville in May, Mark Dixon-trained Inverroche is all the rage to win the KZN Yearling Sale Million (Non-Black Type) over 1300m at Greyville tomorrow.

The race is open to two-yearolds at set weights and after her last performance this Mark Dixon-trained daughter of Ideal World has an unofficial merit rating of 101 which makes her the best handicapped runner in the field.

There are two concerns regarding this filly. The first is that she is drawn No 11 which is not a good place to be over this course and distance. Secondly, the distance has to be a concern. She led for most of the journey at Scottsville and was caught close home by two horses. This time she is running over 100m further so she could just be run out of it late if Brandon Lerena has to make good use of her early on to overcome the draw.

In her favour is that most of her opposition are not well drawn either. The two who could run Inverroche out of it are Candice Dawson-trained Givinitsum and Purest Bliss from the Glen Kotzen yard.

Givinitsum won on debut, beating My Boi Caloi who went on to win his next start by six lengths. Dawson has engaged Jeff Lloyd to ride her charge and they jump from barrier No 8.

Purest Bliss won a barrier trial and followed up shortly after that with an impressive maiden win at Scottsville but then never got into the race when 10th in the Allan Robertson 10 days later.

“That race came too soon,” said Kotzen. “But she’s a serious runner in this event. We only have one horse to beat and that’s Inverroche. Purest Bliss is flying at home.” Richard Fourie rides.

Against the Grain found support in his first run at Greyville last Saturday but could only finish fourth. Although still a maiden he could come on with the experience.