Moonlight Cloud boss targets win at Ascot
FRENCH trainer Freddie Head believes he has a horse that can spoil the party for Australian superstar Black Caviar at Ascot next week.
His assertion that his sprinter, Moonlight Cloud, can upset the unbeaten mare has been scoffed at by Aussie racing fans. They say it is just a question of trainer Peter Moody’s champion going to post in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes on June 23 and coming back.
Head disagrees. He is adamant that Moonlight Cloud is a much better horse than when running unplaced in last year’s 1 000 Guineas at Newmarket.
Moonlight Cloud won the recent Prix du Palais-Royal at Longchamp in Paris. That win has tempted Head to make the trip to Ascot, and he is aware that his sprinter faces a daunting task.
“It’s great for them to come (with Black Caviar) and to put their unbeaten record on the line. They are very brave and great sportsmen. But we will see. You have to race — that is what this game is all about.”
UK bookies quote Moonlight Cloud at 14-1, with Black Caviar the odds-on favourite at 1-2. But the French raider might be worth a wager in the market that several London bookmakers have formed betting without Black Caviar.
William Hill makes Moonlight Cloud a 9-2 chance behind Hoof It and Bated Breath. A punter collects if the horse wins or runs second to Black Caviar.
With a month’s rainfall having fallen around London last weekend, there is a chance that the going at Ascot could be heavy at Ascot. This, however, is not expected to worry Black Caviar.
Meanwhile, the Vaal hosts its second meeting of the week today and jockey Robbie Fradd, with three winners at the Free State course on Tuesday, could continue his good form by booting home White Whisper in the second race. A daughter of Var, bred at Avontuur Farm, the youngster made a promising debut when third behind Pirate Girl at Turffontein last month.
Just behind White Whisper that day was Setfiretotherain, who is in opposition again this afternoon with Piere Strydom booked for the ride.
Fradd will also fancy his chances of going close on Mike de Kock’s runner, Ice Trigger, in the seventh race. This choicely bred son of Western Winter ran a credible second behind Princess Of Light at Turffontein on his most recent appearance.
That winner is trained by Geoff Woodruff, who saddles the consistent four-year-old Luminous Love. The son of Count Dubois is bidding for his third victory in four outings and should go close despite a wide draw.
Young Nooresh Juglall is riding with plenty of confidence and he has an each-way chance on trainer Erico Verdonese’s runner, Venture. Another good mount for Piere Strydom should be Tsitsikama Strike, whom he partners for trainer Robbie Sage in the sixth race.
Spike Lerena saddles Disco Boy and the three-year-old appeals as a good swinger bet with Tsitsikama Strike.