The Sean Tarry-trained Gr1 SA Derby winner Legal Eagle was amongst the 27 subscriptions logged at first entry stage last Wednesday for the R2,5 million J&B Met, which will be run at Kenilworth on 30 January 2016.
Legal Eagle – plenty of interest in his return
The son of Greys Inn has not run since his Vodacom Durban July fifth placed finish, and his return to action at Turffontein today will attract plenty of interest.
Another high-quality athlete to first see light of day in the beautiful environs of Avontuur, the hugely promising Legal Eagle has won 4 of his 7 starts.
Sean Tarry – Met hope has a stretch
A son of the former SA Derby and July winner Greys Inn, Legal Eagle is out of the small but gutsy National Emblem mare Young Sensation. The six-time winner was also trained by Sean Tarry.
The colt is way ahead of his R425 000 National Yearling Sale price tag as he squares up to seven opponents in an 1800m Allowance Plate on the Turffontein inside track.
Legal Eagle was not disgraced when baulked and finishing just 2,50 lengths behind Power King in the Vodacom Durban July.
His track record as a 3yo was high class, despite obvious immaturity and he stands out as an exciting prospect – and the country’s highest rated racehorse at 120.
His 4yo term debut run comes after a 22 week break and while he should win it easily, he will be nowhere peak fitness.
But he won’t have it much easier.
Bezanova wins the Charity Mile in 2014
The 2014 Charity Mile winner Bezanova showed up nicely when fading for fifth and 3,80 lengths behind Bouclette Top in the same event this year. He has to lumber 63kgs here and has to give 2kgs to Legal Eagle – that won’t be a cakewalk over the 1800m.
Race-3 (Turf) R105 000 1800m 13:15
RACING. IT’S A RUSH ALLOWANCE PLATE
For Maidens and Winners
| 1 | 5 | Bezanova | 63 | 107 | BA | W Marwing | Alec Laird | |
| 2 | 1 | Killua Castle (AUS) | 62 | 101 | BA | D L Habib | Geoff Woodruff | |
| 3 | 3 | Legal Eagle | 61 | 120 | T A | A Marcus | Sean Tarry | |
| 4 | 2 | Kingston Mines (GB) | 60.5 | 99 | BA | J P v’d Merwe | Mike de Kock | |
| 5 | 7 | Smart Mart | Scratched | 60.5 | 87 | A | S Khumalo | Mike de Kock |
| 6 | 8 | Flying The Flag (IRE) | 58 | 105 | A | R Simons | Mike de Kock | |
| 7 | 4 | Earl Of Derby | 57.5 | 94 | T A | P Strydom | Alec Laird | |
| 8 | 6 | Candy Rock (AUS) | Scratched | 55 | 86 | BA | F Herholdt | Mike de Kock |
| Same Trainer – Not Coupled on Tote | ||||||||
| (1,7) (4,5,6,8) | ||||||||
Mike De Kock has withdrawn 2 of his 4 runners and the field has been reduced to just six runners.
Legal Eagle is the obvious choice – banker him in all bets.
