The smart Anger – capable of a big effort as he edges back to his best
The enigmatic talent of a Brazillian-bred colt who strung five sensational successive wins together in 2014 could turn up to haunt the form students at the Vaal today. Corne Spies-trained Anger is no stereotypical equine grey man. And he can run when in the mood. He could be a major player in the R125 000 Autumn Sand Sprint.
Corne Spies sent out the Sail From Seattle gelding Tommy Gun (in the Anger silks) to win the 2014 renewal of this non black-type feature and the yard and their loyal owners looks set for a double with their much loved Anger.
Heavy Load
Corne Spies – enjoying a good run
The recent form amongst the eleven runners is not inspiring. But it won’t be a walk in the park for the pacy import, who lumps 61kgs.
The rags-to-riches tale of the schizophrenic but talented galloper Anger, that reached a climax with a terrific victory in the Gr3 August Stakes over Thursday’s course and distance six months ago, could be ready for a sequel.
Medical Aid
He chalked up his five wins after having a testicle removed and even though 60% of the victory quintet was achieved in the lesser climes of Flamingo Park, he looked to be a serious racehorse maturing fast and went into the Emerald Cup as a decent prospect for a place.
But things didn’t go his way and he finished 27 lengths behind his coupling, Tommy Gun.
Rested just a month, he had four return runs, failing to spark, and fading quickly in all of them, until his last run when he ran on steadily to be shaded a nose by the very able De Kock speedster, Tiger Territory over 1000m on the sand.
As a course and distance winner over the 200m extra, he can be expected to produce a big effort.
Fine Wine
David Rahilly – saddles Pinot Noir
David Rahilly trains our top-rated Pinot Noir who won his sixth race when beating King’s Consent over the course and distance last time. He ran fourth in this race last year behind Tommy Gun.
His win on 5 February was his first victory in just over a year and the son of Black Minnaloushe looks nicely handicapped for a big effort.
Paul Matchett’s Duty Dance is a multiple course and distance winner and meets Pinot Noir on 1,5kgs better terms after being walloped 4,25 lengths last time out.
Out Of Sorts
Scott Kenny trained Shadow Line was not himself when quietly fancied to run a big race in the Emerald Cup last year.
He was rested for two months after running a below par race (reported coughing) and came out flying with a smart win beating Mythical Pace on the turf 1200m.
Assuming he is somewhere near his best after a 13 week break, he must be considered on joint topweight.
Yet To Fire
Gerrit Schlechter – a rare visitor at the Vaal
Vaughan Marshall’s Joburg satellite yard saddled a good winner at Turffontein on Saturday in Exelero and they send out the Alado gelding Halfmoon Hotel in his first run on sand.
Cape-based veteran Gerrit Schlechter is an interesting jockey engagement and the 5yo can be expected to improve after running handy and fading last time.
Leon Erasmus saddles a quartet of runners and the best of them could be the 7yo Benbow.
The Bezrin gelding made respiratory noises when beaten just over 3 lengths by Anger last time out.
He ran on well at his previous outing in a much lower rated handicap over 200m shorter.
We never quite know what to expect form him – but Anger looks ready to assert himself and has to hold off Shadow Line and Pinot Noir.
