Black Jaguar to pounce
LIFE has been tough for Black Jaguar since his last win but Frank Robinson has persevered and his patience could pay off at Greyville this afternoon.
It has been three years since Black Jaguar last visited the winner’s box, August 19, 2014 to be exact, but he has been a victim of his own consistency with the handicappers obviously loath to drop his rating. Each time he gets a few pounds relief, he puts in one of his better performances and the handicappers slap them back on.
From a high of 72 back in January, he stepped out a 69 after being given a three month break and ran a cracker behind Roy’s Strike Force over a distance short of his best. Things also didn’t go his way in the race as he lost a shoe in the running and his rider dropped his stick. Last month he finished seventh over today’s course and distance but was only beaten three lengths. It was a run that didn’t impress the handicappers and he was given a further two pounds relief. That coupled with a substantial drop in class today could be enough to see Black Jaguar home in a race and on a card that will test any punter’s mettle.
Of the dangers, Craig Eudey has booked Anton Marcus for Let’s Go West that has his first outing since a switch in stable while young gun Breakfast Club enjoyed the step up in trip when shedding his maiden and that form has since been franked.
Marcus has stuck to his ride on Black Tractor for Brett Crawford in the fifth and the top weight could finally pay for his trip to KZN with a victory. Black Tractor makes his poly debut but has shown good pace in both recent outings over the testing Scottsville 1200m so the step up in trip should not hold any fears. He also has a plum draw and with Marcus a master out of the gate, Black Tractor will be more like a sports car - at least in the early exchanges.
Apprentice Eric Ngwane took a nasty fall at Summerveld on Monday so is likely to be replaced on Surrey. Dean Kannemeyer's runner is at best over course and distance and a drop in class should bring out the best in him and give Black Tractor a hard race. After threatening for some time, Wandie’s finally got her act together when winning at Scottsville last time out and in the process landing an inspired gamble. From an opening call of 14-1 punters had bookmakers scrambling to limit the damage as Wandie’s eventually started 5-2. Sean Tarry went past the 200 winners mark this weekend and given his form and the manner in which Wandie’s accounted for runner-up Off Ramp, he could add further to his impressive tally. Off Ramp is again in opposition and now 2kg better off but has pulled a 14 draw which is a particular disadvantage over this distance.
Also drawn on Marriott Road but showing signs of a return to form is Natatela in the final leg of the Jackpot. The filly has had two outings for Weiho Marwing since arriving from the Cape from Daryl Hodgson and she barrelled out of the gate from a poor draw last time out only to be found wanting over the final furlong. This will be her third run after a break and although the draw is a concern she looks to have major improvement to come.