Love for Snaith fans
STRONG FORM: LOVE HAPPENS IDEALLY PLACED TO WIN LISTED SETTLER’S TROPHY
It is always the function of a trainer to find the right races for their charges and trainer Justin Snaith and his team could not have done better that finding tomorrow’s Listed Settlers Trophy over 2000m at Durbanville for Love Happens.
The lightly raced six-year-old is the runner to be with after a third, fourth and two seconds in four outings this term.
This Silvano gelding has finished second in his last two starts, which have both come at Durbanville over 1400m and 1600m respectively, behind progressive stable companion Hurricane Harry.
Those outings will have Snaith’s charge primed to the minute and, with the step up to 2000m likely to suit, a bold effort can be expected under stable jockey Richard Fourie.
Top-weight Crome Yellow accounted for the selection by 2.40 lengths in August last year but Love Happens, who returned with a lame left fore on that occasion, renews rivalry on 9.5kg better terms so is weighted to comfortably turn the tables this time around.
A bigger threat is likely to come from another Snaith inmate, Bayberry, who contested all three legs of the Winter Series, where he found unbeaten Katak too good.
He will be ridden by Grant van Niekerk.
Freshened since finishing second in the 2400m Winter Derby, Bayberry should make his presence felt in what appears a good race for the yard, who also run capable Duke Of Marmalade filly Duchess Of Bourbon.
However, with the carryover Pick 6 pool expected to touch R1 million, it could be worth taking a chance to banker Love Happens as some of the other races look very competitive.
On Captain’s Side did us a good turn last time when she won last time over 1250m at Durbanville, going off at titillating odds of 7-1.
The Greg Ennion-trained filly is likely to go off around the same price in Race 6, a FM 98 Handicap over 1000m. Even though it will be over a shorter trip there is not reason why she cannot repeat the favour on this occasion.
Greg Cheyne is back in the irons.