‘Galaxy’ best in open race
SEVERAL horses have thrown their names into the hat as a possible winner of the East Cape Paddock Stakes (Listed) over 1 600m at Fairview tomorrow.
The race looks wide open and Lady Luck will be needed to find the winner.
At 10-1 outsider Star Burst Galaxy seems to provide some value. As a three-time winner with six seconds and two thirds from 14 starts to her credit, Tara Laing’s charge should enter the race full of confidence.
She is nicely drawn at gate No 4 and will have underrated Teaque Gould in the saddle. The daughter of Var has come close to winning on six occasions since her last victory on January 13 when she defeated Maverick Girl by 2,25 lengths.
Span Die Seile has to be another to consider. The former Johan Janse van Vuurentrained runner will make her debut for the Laing yard and will have Jarred Penny in the irons for the first time.
She comes to the Eastern Cape as a three-time winner from 16 starts and has the form to win the race from pole position. Her last win was on April 22 when she defeated Consequentially by 2,50 lengths.
Cape Marigold is regarded as unreliable, but, despite being quoted at 66-1, must have a good chance to finish in the money. No 16 draw is an obstacle but Karl Zechner will ride it for the fourth time in a row and knows her well.
This combination has been very consistent in the last four starts so write Cape Marigold off at your own peril.
Supercilious and Cup Cake also need to be considered. Justin Snaith-trained Cup Cake is well drawn and has faced some of the strongest opposition around.
Grant van Niekerk takes over the ride from Bernard Fayd’Herbe who rode her to victory when she beat Star Burst Galaxy in her last outing.
However, there are still more possible winners in this lineup. Look out for ultra-consistent Beataboutthebush, who comes into the race with four wins from seven starts. Greg Cheyne will jump from gate No 11 for the in-form Alan Greeff stable.
Peach Delight is another possibility with Lyle Hewitson up for Yvette Bremner, while Peonie Rock – another 66-1 shot – has the ability to upset the applecart.
In the final analysis the vote goes to Star Burst Galaxy with Span Die Seile, Cape Marigold, Cup Cake and Supercilious next best.
The first race is off at 1230.