Goosen holds a strong hand
AFTER much huffing, puffing and cursing infections, Louis Goosen’s Ashburton yard has turned the corner wonderfully and he holds a strong hand with four runners in the eighth race at Scottsville today, a competitive Pinnacle Stakes sprint where he saddles four runners.Best could be Captain’s Girl who is overdue another win.
The mare is quick and well suited to this trip.
She was run out of it late by stable companion Di Mazzio last time out but that was over 1 200m and with red-hot Anton Marcus aboard she will be much better suited to the Scottsville short-cut. Doug Campbell has a smart filly in ValLa-Ree who is way better than her last run on the poly and could prove the biggest threat.
Her best form has been over course and distance and she is reasonably well weighted here.
Goosen’s other runners include the diminutive but speedy Hashtag Strat, Winter Blues and Effortless Reward who does have issues but is capable on her day. She gets 9kg and more from her rivals and wears blinkers for the first time. She could be the surprise package.
The regally bred Mela Stregata took some time to get off the mark for Duncan Howells and proved expensive to follow. Her ability may not match up to her pedigree but blinkers appear to have brought out the best in her and she can follow up especially as the form of her Maiden win worked out well with Extravargant winning next time out. But the latter has a 2kg swing in the weights and with Marcus up and can turn the tables.
Amber Furst
Of the balance, Amber Furst goes well on the grass although she has a big weight. The blinkers come off Spring Breeze who does seem better than her recent form and is certainly way better than her last showing.
The seventh is a competitive fillies maiden where Anuchke’s Wings could prove the pick. Glen Kotzen’s runner made a smart debut last month and should enjoy the extra. She appears to have plenty if improvement to come and meets a weak field.
Marcus teams up with the Goosentrained Unilateral who was a beaten favourite last time out but has some fair recent form.
Marcus stays with the mount which may prove significant.
Turkish Lira made good improvement at her second start and should much prefer this trip judged on her pedigree while Belle Of Paris finished ahead of Unilateral last time out and has improved at recent outings which should give her a chance in this company.
A useful field lines up in the last where Jet Stream is back over a more suitable trip but he is a young horse in a handicap which will make it difficult even though he is progressive.
Techno Captain is not the easiest but is useful on his day.
Paul Gadsby’s gelding has dropped in the handicap and races in earmuffs. Stable companion Arrow’s Mark was running on strongly in his first run out of the maidens and is another to consider along with White Lightning who is way better than his last effort and the extra should suit. He is one to watch.
She’s A Dream
She’s A Dream and Girl In Gold are up for auction on the Shongweni Mixed Sale at the end of the month and many a prospective buyer will be looking to their performances in the fourth.
Both have talent but have been disappointing although, Girl In Gold finally landed a second win last time out. However, both will need to get past top weight Miss Smarty Pants who improves with every outing and won well in a useful field last time out.
She has a fair weight but can go in again. Samsara is a four-time winner having her first local run.
She comes off some fair Cape Town form and Garth Puller has engaged Marcus for the ride, suggesting that she cannot be left out of any calculations.