Shadow Line to lead Kimberly raid

KIMBERLY and its racecourse Flamingo Park maybe in the “boondocks” as far as mainstream South African racing is concerned but it is still a fiercely competitive environment. However, the locals face an upcountry invasion tomorrow as tantalising stake money has been enough to lure some of the best off the Vaal sand.

The Flamingo Park sand is a much lighter and faster surface than the cloying Vaal “beach” with the only real distinguishing feature between the Kimberley sand and the turf being the proximity of the track to the main racing centres. The result is that Kimberley is the dumping ground of horses of limited ability and they will be put to the test tomorrow.

The Racing Association has put up R200k for the Flamingo Mile and the local’s will be hard pressed to hold the likes of Shadow Line, top weight Uncle Tommy and Right Beauty, all accomplished performers on the Vaal sand.

Shadow Line had some useful turf form behind his name before trainer Scott Kenny switched him to the sand. After a promising Vaal debut when held up for a run, he was allowed to dictate next time out and he doddled in by seven lengths.

Piere Strydom employed similar tactics aboard the son of Toreador next time out with the same result, giving second-placed Panjo 8kg.

Shadow Line takes a big step up in class tomorrow but he looks to have more improvement to come and with an inside draw and only 52kg to shoulder he may be the one to beat.

Uncle Tommy took a new lease on life when moved up from the Western Cape by owner Hassen Adams to the Weiho Marwing yard and the son of Kahal took readily to the Vaal sand. In fact his only two modest recent showings have been on the turf.

Uncle Tommy

Marwing has fitted blinkers for Uncle Tommy’s last two starts and recently back from a short break he was kicking on nicely behind Magic Smoke.

Uncle Tommy has top weight and a wide draw but he should be right there.

Mike de Kock clinched his eighth National Trainer’s Title last week and will be looking to get his latest campaign off to a bright start with Right Beauty. The fiveyear-old is battling to record his fourth win but has some solid sand form to his name and has been close-up in his last four starts on the surface.

His best recent effort over tomorrow’s distance saw him finish third behind Magic Smoke and Uncle Tommy. He is much better off at the weights here and also has the benefit of a better inside draw.

Local hopes look to rest with course specialist Code Red while Killua Castle, Selborne Supremacy and National Road have had limited exposure to the sand but have useful turf form that leaves the door open for a possible upset.

Supporting feature is the Betting World Sprint which looks wide open although the grey Occhi Di Lupo returns to what has always seemed to be his best trip and makes his debut on the sand.

Given his light weight he could well pull this one off.