Leaf banks on Leila’s Charger
BUSINESSMAN Michael Leaf, owner of disqualified 2014 Durban July winner Wylie Hall, may have unearthed another star in Leila’s Charger.
A daughter of Charge Forward, the three-year-old Aussie-bred filly lived up to her sire’s name when romping home by five lengths on her debut at Turffontein in August.
Leila’s Charger returns to the scene of that victory tomorrow and Leaf will be hoping she can maintain her 100% record. That largely depends on whether the inmate of Dominic Zaki’s stable can repel the challenge of Mike de Kock’s two-time winner, Persian Rug.
Anthony Delpech makes the journey from Durban to partner the filly for the first time. It could be a close call as his mount gives Leila’s Charger three kilos.
Trainer Lucky Houdalakis has made a bright start to the new season and will be looking for a good effort from his Captain Al filly, Khaleesi. He has booked inform Andrew Fortune for the ride.
Champion trainer Sean Tarry saddles another twotime winner in Faberge Style and she has each-way claims in an intriguing contest.
Perhaps the main reason for Delpech’s trip to the highveld is to partner newcomer Green Goddess in the first leg of the Pick 6. Although the four-year-old is making a belated debut, she is bred in the purple being a daughter of top sire Invincible Spirit.
Another runner who boasts a strong pedigree is Alec Laird’s runner Gusheshe. She’s a daughter of Exceed and Excel who has sired numerous graded stakes winners. Talented jockey Weichong Marwing will be in the saddle. Of those runners that have already raced, Tripadvisor and Sister Mary boast the best form. The latter has been placed in three of her last four outings.
Only nine runners will face the starter in the first leg of the jackpot and the finish may be fought out by King Of Chaos and Bull Valley.
Fortune rides the former for the first time and the colt should make a bold bid for a third win. Bull Valley and Angel’s Power rate the dangers.
Leading owner Markus Jooste’s colours could be carried to victory by First Officer in the second race.
Choicely bred opponents waiting to take on the colt including a son of Silvano from Sean Tarry’s stable.