Summer Cup on without Muzi
INJURY: FALL LAST WEEK EXACERBATES OLD INJURY AND YENI HAS BEEN STOOD DOWN
Soqrat is his strong fancy for the R2million feature.
Turffontein will be sizzling today with the running of the Gauteng Chris Gerber Summer Cup, proudly sponsored by Bidvest, but before I discuss the big day, I would just like to thank my followers and many supportive trainers for their messages of concern after my fall last Saturday.
Unfortunately the fall resulted in the flaring up of an old injury. I've seen a specialist and on his advice, I sadly will miss one of my favourite race meetings of the year. I will be seeking a second opinion but I can assure everybody I will be back fitter and stronger.
On that note, I would also like to apologise to all trainers and owners who engaged me to ride on the day.
The big race also honours Chris Gerber, a great supporter of the game.
I studied my card thoroughly in the hope of guiding you to winning the whopping R15-million Pick 6 on the 12 race card. The big event sees the powerful Mike de Kock yard saddle a quintet of entries, three of which dominate the bookmaker boards. Despite the maximum 20 horse field, I don't foresee a solid tempo and that makes things really interesting.
My strong preference is for Soqrat after his solid preparation, which included conceding chunks of weight to decent gallopers and trouncing them in the Victory Moon, and his amazing turn of foot will stand him in good stead in the likely stop and go affair.
I make his stable companion, filly Queen Supreme, a huge danger with her low mass, although she takes another gigantic rise in class. She has shot to fame in no time and also boasts an impressive burst of speed.
Barahin is another de Kock hopeful and he is right near the top of the boards after his flawless Charity Mile victory. He deserves obvious respect with Fayd'Herbe unbeaten aboard him after three starts as a partnership. That said, the lack of a true gallop is definitely a worry for him.
I expect a much-improved performance from Bize and she could be excellent place value if jumping on terms, she is 4.5kg better off with Queen Supreme. Divine Odyssey will be a different proposition back at this track, while defending champion Tilbury Fort may be a run short but Sean Tarry is a master of his trade and I noted the late progress made by the gelding in the Charity Mile.
I was impressed with Atyaab's last staying victory on his seasonal debut and with 52kg and his fitness unquestioned, I thought he would be a challenger, hence I asked for the ride.
The Dingaans is a cracking supporting feature and Frosted Gold's sensational triumph in the incident-marred Graham Beck Stakes makes him the one to beat. The manner in which he finished indicated 1600m should suit. However, the shrewd market support for unbeaten stablemate Marshall is interesting, particularly as the latter takes an enormous jump in class.
While I couldn't believe Frosted Gold's rate of recovery in that last win, my eyes were also drawn to Shango who made smart late progress though comfortably beaten in the same event. He will be fitter this time around. Stablemate Eden Roc also had a decent run in the soft conditions and has arguably had the best preparation.
Box Swingers Eden Roc, Frosted Gold and Shango. Back Eden Roc.
Race 5 is the Grade 2 Merchants over 1160m. I have partnered both Gimme A Wave and William The Silent and they could fight out the finish. Of course, there is respect for Prince Of Kahal who has been a revelation lately. My strong preference is for Gimme A Wave who represents the in-form combination of Alec Laird and S’manga Khumalo.
Have a strong each-way bet on Gimme A Wave and box Swingers with the other pair.
Race 8 is another Grade 2 contest, the Ipi Tombe Challenge. My strong preference is for the older rivals and in particular In The Dance, who represents the Charity Mile form line, and Vistula. Quality three-year-old Mill Queen worked hard for victory over Wisteria Walk when well weighted earlier this month but that was her seasonal debut.
She is slightly under sufferance here but is an obvious improver along with the latter who tries 1600m.
Go confident on In The Dance. The Magnolia Handicap (Race 4) is the solitary Grade 3 contest and this fillies and mares event is extremely wide open. Ulla produced a smart finish on the outside of the course despite being drawn right down the inside and can upset her conquerors of that day, including Singforafa and Nicky Noo. Others to consider are True To Life, Double 'O' Eight, Pool Party and Green Plains.
Go each-way on Ulla.
The last of six features is the Racing Association Handicap over 3200m and it is Race 9, the final leg of the Pick 6. Here, I believe the David Niewenhuizen-trained pair of Factor Fifty and Flichity By Farr could clash over the final 200m. I have healthy respect for top weight Noble Secret who could love this marathon journey.
Take Swingers with Flichity By Farr and Factor Fifty and have a bet on the former.
Race 1 is a Maiden Plate over 1400m and despite the widest draw I expect a huge performance from Thandekhile while improvement should come from Temenee and Aztec. Keep an eye on betting movements for newcomers Acorn Valley and Sovereignty. Go each-way on Thandekhile. Race 2 is a strong maiden line up, also over 1400m and here Viper Jet has the right credentials as he debuts as a gelding. He jumps from gate No 3. Mohican was all the rage on his excellent sprint debut and he should make heaps of progress over the extra although his wide draw will challenge Anton Marcus.
Creation's last form line is suspect but having said that, he just needed the outing and should have gone very close. Keep an eye on the first-timer Hey Bennie who is the half-brother to Ronnie's Candy and also races for the St John Gray yard.
Race 3 is the last of the maiden events on the day and in this 2000m contest, recently gelded Bellagio King is the one to beat. His recent conqueror Spero Optima ran out of his skin behind Dingaans hopeful Promiseofamaster in his post-maiden start. Maroon Bells has been costly to follow but is capable and I watched him make very late progress last time, although well beaten. Magic Vision will prefer the drop in trip and has a first-three chance.
Have a bet on Bellagio King and box Swingers with the other pair.
Race 10 is a hands-and-heels MR 88 Handicap and I really fancy
Norland, who I expect to enjoy a soft lead coming into the straight. Have a strong each-way bet on Norland.
Race 11 is a FM 76 Handicap over 1000m and Moggie Brown gets the narrow first verdict ahead of Phillydelphia and Mercer Girl.
I like the three year old Seven Seas in Race 12. I partnered her last time and she gave me a good feel but this is a wide open affair. Others to consider are Jolly Josephine, Always Red, Jetorio and Targaryen Queen.
Suggested Pick 6 R1323 Leg 1: 1, 5, 6, 11, 12, 15, 16 Leg 2: 1, 7, 16
Leg 3: 1, 2, 7
Leg 4: 1
Leg 5: 2, 5, 10
Leg 6: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8