Dawn Calling looks a cut above the rest
HEAVY rain and a dodgy pullup area saw the last two races abandoned last Sunday. But given that the KZN 3YO Series races play an integral role in preparing for the summer Classics, the race was rescheduled and takes centre stage at Greyville this evening.
Run over 1 600m, brought to you by SPAR Central Office, the race has attracted a small but quality field where the filly Dawn Calling could put one over the colts.
The race was originally scheduled for the Greyville turf, but as the grass has not fully recovered from its spring treatment and with rain the order of the day the event was switched to the poly track.
The Duncan Howells-trained Dawn Calling has taken to the synthetic surface and although unlikely to be anywhere close to her peak with the Cape Summer of Champions a possibility, she could still prove a cut above her male rivals.
Dawn Calling recently made her seasonal debut in a 1 200m sprint against some useful older fillies where she was not well in at the weights and over a trip that already appears to be well short of her optimum.
However, she was all over a winner except at the line as Impala Lily got up to deny her victory.
Although taking on some smart males Dawn Calling is nicely in at these weights and will much prefer today’s trip.
With the G1 Cape Fillies Guineas on the agenda, just how she fares will give some indication of her chances should she take her place in that race come early December.
Howells will have a line on most of the field with Palladium, Highway Eightyfive, My Pal Al and The King Of Random all behind the Howells-trained Roy’s Magic at Scottsville last month.
It was a desperately close finish but Roy’s Magic came from off them to nail My Pal Al and Palladium on the line. On that showing there should be very little between My Pal Al and Palladium again today but both could find the filly too hot to handle.
Something of an unknown quantity is the Frank Robinson-trained Winter Is Coming.
The colt took time to come to hand but once stepped out on the poly his form improved dramatically. His last run was super impressive as he put a maiden field to the sword, winning by eight lengths easing up. The handicappers were also impressed and he earned a 94 rating.
Whether that rating is justified, we will know by this evening.
Outside of the Series Race, the balance of the seven races have full fields and punters will not find things easy - the bonus being that you will get a decent price whatever your fancy.
All the noise surrounding Donald Trump’s election as US President this week could prove an omen for Media Circus in the opening leg of the Pick 6.
Sean Tarry’s runner is lightly raced on the Highveld but has always been relatively short in the betting.
He could make major improvement racing on the poly track for the first time.
Likely favourite is Vested Interest who was a game second last time out.
He has improved in blinkers and rates a strong chance if he stays the trip.
Portman Square is seldom far back over shorter and this longer trip could bring out the best in him.
Second leg of the exotic bets is an absolute nightmare although Selvan’s Jet is back over his best course and distance and he has been up against slightly stronger of late.
Lady Linda takes on males but is in good form and has shown up well in useful company while Dhaamer has finished like a bullet at his last two since returning from a break and is definitely one for the short list.
The fifth is another wide-open affair but Silver Inspiration comes from an inform yard and should be right there from an inside draw. Roy’s Dancer has improved in blinkers and was not far off from a tough draw last start.
The extra should also suit while Jazz Bar has a wide draw but showed up well first up on the poly after a returning from a lengthy break. She is sure to improve.
It doesn’t get any easier in the sixth where Bagger Vance is taken to get back to something like his better form from Newyork state of mind who is highly consistent but has an inexperienced apprentice aboard here.
Given the benefit of the doubt he should be thereabouts again. Capel Top heads the handicap but is returning from a break.
He is more effective over further but could race fresh.