Sergeant Hardy to issue the orders
SERGEANT HARDY stands out at 33-10 in the Southeaster Sprint at Kenilworth tomorrow but anyone looking to make a few rand for Christmas might consider a bit each way on Kingston Passage at 7-1 Bernard Fayd’Herbe’s mount led throughout on his return in the 31 October Pinnacle but managed only eighth from a wide draw in the Merchants three weeks ago.
The 100m shorter trip is much in his favour as it gives his breathing problems less time to have an effect.
“He needed that last race, it was his second run after a rest and I hadn’t galloped him,” says Justin Snaith.
“He is not drawn on the outside this time and that is important for him as he hangs. He will run well.”
At last Tuesday’s meeting penetrometer readings suggested that the ground on the inside on the sprint course is still some four per cent faster than in the middle or the outside.
Lord Balmoral
Lord Balmoral opened at 4-1 with World Sports Betting on Wednesday and by yesterday he was disputing favouritism at 3310.
Significantly he wears blinkers for the first time and Vaughan Marshall reports him in good shape.
Andries Steyn says the same about Power Grid (11-2) who sprang a 28-1 shock in a progress plate last time despite losing ground at the start.
But the handicappers have raised him 3kg and it is hard to see him coming out on top in this company after that.
Horse Guards is also an 11-2 shot but you would expect a better price than that for a horse who has been off for nearly five months.
La Favourari (13-2) flopped in the 31 October Pinnacle after winning four off the bounce.
He lost ground at the start and was eased in the final furlong because Donovan Dillon could sense that there was something amiss.
“It’s a bit disconcerting that we still don’t really know what was wrong that day although he was coughing afterwards,” says Andre Nel.
“I have brought him here for a gallop since and he worked well. Percival (9-1) ran a bit below par last time but at the weights I think he is probably the better horse.”
Kingston Passage has blistering speed and ran a blinder on his first race for nearly six months, losing the lead only 40m from home.
He has the second-run-after-arest syndrome to ovecome but he is probably better than his present handicap mark – almost certainly by more than the kilo he is under sufferance.
Interestingly the sa horseracing computer has him beating all except Sergeant Hardy with Power Grid third.
“There is not a lot in the programme for him and we want to see if he is good enough to go anywhere else,” comments Brett Crawford.
Rock Of Africa
Rock Of Africa (11-1) is on a hat-trick and Anthony Andrews has been bringing off bigger shocks than this in recent weeks, while Brutal Force (15-1) has yet to find his form this term but he is the best horse in the race. LOUIS GOOSEN is a bit of a Wizz at training sprinters and his charge Di Mazzio has taken to the poly track. The Aussie-bred with an American dirt pedigree is lightly raced but also unbeaten over 1 200m on the Greyville poly in two outings and looks the part when he contests the Itsarush.co.za Handicap over course and distance this evening. Last time out Di Mazzio was runner-up to the smart Wynkelder in the competitive Chapter Challenge 1 200m final at Scottsville but in two starts prior to that he had galloped the opposition into the ground on the poly. He was only given a one-point penalty for his last effort and back on his favourite surface he should take some beating.
Alistair Gordon’s stable is turning the corner after a spell in the doldrums and Marshall That led the field a merry dance when winning his last race over course and distance.
He has not been the most reliable but is useful on his day and a repeat performance can see him give Di Mazzio supporters a fright.
Autumn In Seattle
Of the others, Autumn In Seattle and Al Ciberano warrant consideration.
Johan Janse van Vuuren makes the trip down from the Vaal with Torio Lake in the Track & Ball Fixed Odds Handicap with some fair Highveld form to back his claims.
He was run out of it late in a Novice Plate last time out after showing good pace and the poly track could suit although he will have some stiff opposition from Graduate.
The pricey son of Oratorio won well enough on debut although second-placed Bravo Zulu is no great shakes and is yet to shed his maiden. Last time out Graduate finished with a rattle, making up many lengths on eventual winner Burra Boy.
That was over 1 200m and given his last showing he should be more at home over the extra two furlongs and will be a serious threat to Torio Lake.
The Yogas Govender-trained Fonteyn has had many chances but has shown useful form at recent outings. She was a beaten favourite at her last two and can make amends in the Soccer 6 Qualified Maiden.
Likewise, Symphony In Seven has been knocking at the door for some time now but could do better over this extended trip although she has the worst of the draw to overcome.
Golden Minaret is starting to improve for Nathan Kotzen, catching the eye last time out, and is a must inclusion in all exotics.
Roy’s Riviera
Frank Robinson took Roy’s Riviera up to Turffontein on Summer Cup day and she was not far back behind Folk Dance.
She was a smart third behind Hashtagyolo prior to that and a repeat should see her difficult to beat although Parabola made a smart local debut and takes to the poly for the first time. Charles Laird is due to retire next month and he will be looking to Bridal Veil for an early send-off.
She has a light weight and should appreciate the step up in trip.
Lowan Denysschen had his first winner for some time when High Green won last Friday and he saddles Zilla in the Gold Circle YouTube Handicap. It often only takes one horse to break a drought and Zilla has all the right credentials to give the stable another winner. Of the balance, Star Of Ceasour has been coming to hand slowly although she has a tricky draw while Jingle Belle needed her last run and had some fair Cape form before that.