Shine a light on Laird
DEBUT: DYNASTIC LIGHT HAS HER FIRST RUN FOR LAIRD STABLE AT THE VAAL
Way Of The World stands out in Race 7.
The axiom that a change is as good as a holiday is proving true for horses owned by Hugo Hattingh and wife Suzanne. Early this season they moved a whole bunch of runners up to Alec Laird at Randjesfontein and these horses appear to have blossomed in their new surroundings.
Pack Leader has run two excellent races and is currently second favourite for Saturday’s R1-million World Sports Betting Gauteng Summer Cup.
Tomorrow at the Vaal Laird sends out Dynastic Light in Race 6, a Middle Stakes over 1800m. She last ran at Durbanville in August, finishing a 0.30-length second behind Elusive Fortune in a FM 84 Handicap over 2000m.
The four-year-old filly has only raced nine times for two wins and three places, but she does look very useful. Although she will be racing against the colts, she does come in as the best handicapped runner.
The scratching of Stately Home, who was the next best weighted runner, opens the door for her even further.
She could be in need of an outing but the fact Laird has opted to race the fi lly immediately over her best distance, indicates she should be fit and ready to win a race of this nature, especially with S’manga Khumalo up.
Although Fantastical has not yet been withdrawn from Race 7, a MR 84 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1400m, Laird is almost certain to pull her out following her facile two-length victory at the Vaal yesterday.
That should open the door for Paul Peter-trained Way Of The World, who has been as solid as the Rock Of Gibraltar of late. Her last six runs have produced three wins two seconds and a 2.50-length sixth.
Gavin Lerena gets on very well with her and he is back on board this time.
Mike de Kock thought highly of Naafer early on, but the son of Lonhro has had his share of problems. He was gelded as a sixyear-old and if close to his best could take the honours in Race 3, a Graduation Plate over 1200m.