Legislate is gearing up to go
PREP RUN: DRILL HALL STAKES IS HIS LAST RACE BEFORE THE GOLD CHALLENGE
Will then stand at stud at Drakenstein.
Equus Horse Of The Year (2014) Legislate will make his comeback in Friday’s R400,000 The Independent On Saturday Drill Hall Stakes over 1400m at Greyville and trainer Justin Snaith believes he is forward enough in his preparation to give a good showing.
The talented but fragile fiveyear-old son of Dynasty, who is having a last hurrah before heading off to stud at Drakenstein in the Western Cape, is having a preparatory run for his main target this KwaZulu-Natal Champions Season, the Rising Sun Gold Challenge over 1600m at Greyville on Saturday 11 June. He won that race last year before finishing third in both the Mercury Sprint and Champions Cup.
He went on to finish second to Legal Eagle in the Queen’s Plate and then hurt himself in the Met, when sixth behind Smart Call.
Said Snaith: “He was unlucky during last year’s Champions Season and the Cape’s Sizzling Summer. But all is going fine this time. I haven’t had any hiccups and barring any hassles in the pens, he should run a good race. I expect a good run from him.”
Legislate has not won over less than 1600m before, but Snaith is not concerned about the distance. “If he’s well, the distance is never a problem. He can do anything from 1200m to 2000m - after all, he ran Carry On Alice to a short head when they were second and third in the Mercury Sprint last year.”
Snaith sends highly regarded Bela-Bela into battle against likely hot-pot favourite Silver Mountain in the R400,000 Daisy Fillies Guineas over 1600m but is worried about her No 11 draw. “I’ve been told a wide draw at Greyville is the ‘kiss of death’,” he said. “And Silver Mountain will get to her right place easily from No 2 stall.
“But Anthony Delpech, who is riding Bela-Bela, is in deadly form at Greyville at the moment and she’s doing very well at home, so I’ll be surprised if she doesn’t run in the first three. She’s a highquality filly.”
He has three runners in the R600,000 Canon Guineas over 1600m - It’s My Turn and Black Arthur, who have not raced since finishing first and fourth respectively in the Cape Derby, and Baritone, who was beaten only 2.20 lengths by Noah From Goa in the Cape Guineas.
“It’s hard to say which one is the stable elect. Baritone and It’s My Turn will have no choice but to drop out from the draws (Nos 11 and 12 respectively).
“It’s My Turn doesn’t have the pace to stay with them and that might be a problem over 1600m. Whether he makes up the ground will depend on the pace.”
Baritone finished a close second to Mambo Mime in his first run at Greyville last month.
“That run was incredible from the draw (No 12 of 13 runners),” said Snaith. “He was coming through to win but pricked his ears and had a good look at everything. The straight at Greyville has become like a tunnel, which is great for spectators and is a good thing for racing, but some horses take a run or two to get used to it.
“Black Arthur is a very smart horse and people will see on Friday night when he walks into the parade ring how impressive he is. Unfortunately in racing looks don’t matter and this will be a test to see if he handles Greyville and has the ability to shape in the Daily News 2000.
“That said, I think all three will probably end up in the Daily News.”
"I'm hoping we have a good night. If not, I'm in trouble!"