Fortune favours Winter Smoke

THE Ashley Fortune yard run the quick filly Winter Smoke in a strong MR 88 Handicap over 1000m at the Vaal Classic track today and how she fares coupled with the Phumelela stakes plans will determine her future.

The yard pulled the What A Winter filly out of her last intended start at The Vaal because she had a low draw that day and in the hard winter conditions they felt the Inside section of the course had taken a bit too much of a pounding and had thus deteriorated in condition.

Andrew Fortune said about her chances today, "She is very well and we expect a very good run. We might take her down to Cape Town but it all depends on whether she wins well on Thursday and also on the stakes for races like the Southern Cross. If the stake is only R150,000 ( compared to the R350,000 of last season) we might as well just keep her here in Jo'burg."

The rain is yet to arrive on the Highveld but is forecast to fall this week. On Wednesday the forecast for The Vaal predicts 10mm of rain and 3mm on Thursday, which will be welcome news to trainers.

Winter Smoke will run off a merit rating of 88 and is by no means a shoe- in as she faces a strong field of colts and geldings.

Among them is the Paul Peter- trained Ring Of Fire, who beat the like of Old Man Tyme and Gin Fizz over this trip at Turffontein Inside on Saturday, albeit from pole position carrying a featherweight of 48kg .

Another danger will be Spanish Boy, who has been an effortless winner of two starts over 1200m and 1000m respectively since cheekpieces were fitted.

The field has cut down to only seven runners and Winter Smoke with her fine gatespeed and exceptional natural pace will be the one they will all be chasing.

She will be ridden by former National Champion Jockey Lyle Hewitson.