Paddock's filly to turn on the magic

Viv Greybe

East Cape champion jockey Greg Cheyne, who will be aboard some bright prospects on the Fairview Polytrack today, looks on target to claim honours in Race 5 when teamed up with Grant Paddocktrained Making Miracles in a Conditions Stakes (F&M) over 2200m.

Since joining Paddock’s stable, this former KwaZulu-Natal filly has shown encouraging form in four runs at Fairview, following up a fourth and a second with a fine double. Carrying big weights in her last two outings, the three-yearold came from last to snatch victory on grass over 2000m before switching to the Polytrack, teaming up with Cheyne and running out a clear-cut winner over 2200m.

She takes on stronger opposition this time, but with only 53.5kg to shoulder could complete the hat-trick.

She can expect a strong challenge from Chit Chat (Louis Mxothwa) out of Sharon Kotzen’s stable. This mare has been threatening a sixth career win, notably last time when showing strong pace throughout and finishing a bright runner-up over the course and distance. With Mxothwa up once more the five-year-old should be in the final call.

Both these horses will have to be on their guard against topweight Widow’s Lamp with national champion Lyle Hewitson aboard. This mare was a decisive winner five runs back with Hewitson up in the 2000m East Cape Oaks and the combination followed up with a game second in the 2400m East Cape Derby.

The five-time winner was unplaced subsequently at Greyville in the Grade 1 Woolavington and then twice in feature events at Fairview. But, dropping in class, the mare is likely to make her presence felt.