Mokoko to avoid the traffic
THERE is often a fine line between ‘race-riding’ and reckless riding with stipendiary stewards taking a dim view of the latter as illustrated at Greyville a fortnight back.
While making what was possibly a winning move, Mokoko was cut-off in midstride with Anton Marcus accusing young apprentice Jason Gates of “attempted murder”.
Gates was already facing a pending 14day suspension for a similar offence and faces a further inquiry for this latest indiscretion.
Gates
Gates is an intelligent and talented rider but if he keeps emulating an unguided missile, he will be spending more time on the bench than in the saddle.
Mokoko and Marcus can make amends when they line up in a seven-horse field at Greyville today and as 13-10 favourite in the ante-post market, Paul Lafferty’s runner is widely expected to finally get off the mark after a string of placed efforts.
He was promoted to third behind Alfonso Spagoni and he should be able to stay out of trouble in this small field.
Garth Puller rode many a winner for Milnerton-based Greg Ennion in Cape Town before hanging up his boots and he saddles the Ennion and Terry and Annabel Andrews owned Samsara in the opening leg of the Pick 6.
The mare has steady Cape form and not too far back in her local debut.
However, the switch to the poly is probably the reason that she has been sent to Puller.
Samsara
Samsara is in a tough handicap where the Paul Peter-trained Afro Star is currently ante-post favourite at 9-2 with apprentice Yuzae Ramzan giving her 4kg relief.
Amex will be a popular choice to break her string of runner-up berths in the Greyville Convention Centre Qualified Maiden and Marcus could well be in line for an opening treble as he partners Natty Kotzen’s filly.
Marcus has been aboard at her last two outings when narrowly beaten and today’s 1400m should be right up her alley.
Major threats are Kir, who barrier trialled well for Dennis Bosch after an opening spell on the Highveld, and the often lethal Hewitson/Paul Peter combination with Destiny’s Game.
The fifth is another tricky affair but Kotzen and Marcus team up with the consistent Master Keys.
The filly has been running on nicely in both recent outings over a mile and the drop to 1400m could bring out the best in her.
Peter sends out Quebec Queen, who never got a look in when confronted by more traffic than the N2 Highway in rush hour last time out, and Hewitson is unlikely to get himself into that position.
A possible upset could come in the form of Mela Stregata who has been consistent but a little disappointing.
The switch to the poly could be what she is looking for.
Marcus switches brothers in the sixth where he partners Final Attempt for Glen Kotzen.
The gelding is currently 28-10 favourite in the ante-post market but there will be many changers with Lotsa Silver from the very much in form Tony Rivalland yard a major contender along with the Mark Dixon pair of The Poet and Master Sam.
The seventh is another minefield.
Path To Glory
Path To Glory is seldom far back and Mike Miller has declared blinkers on his mare.
Older runners often benefit from the headgear first time out and as a five-time winner she is not short of ability.
Stable companion Sheza Rockstar also has claims along with On The Bright Side and Grecian Laurel.
Josephine Baker has a tricky draw in the last and also faces a competitive field where Green Ice and Crystal Ball will be contenders.