Arcetri Pink
The statistics will show that a blanket could be thrown over the likely top six finishers in Saturday’s R175 000 Gr3 Magnolia Handicap. There is not much to choose between our Queens of speed on a good day and the fact that the race is a handicap doesn’t exactly make the puzzle any simpler to solve.
The older ladies have, with all due respect had their turn to beat each other, and we are obliged to look at the right combination of youthful speed and class as a key to the outcome of an impossible race.
Back To Speed
Geoff Woodruff sends his smart Australian bred filly Arcetri Pink back down to the speed track after a fair fifth place behind Winter Star in the Emperors Palace Ready To Run Cup. She had won three of her six starts prior to that outing, and had shown top class sprint ability. She comes in here with a handy galloping weight and jockey Robbie Fradd knows her very well.
The shock Gr1 SA Fillies Nursery winner Virgo’s Babe ran a very smart third last time behind Sarasota in the Gr3 Starling Stakes. She also reverts to sprinting and the course and distance scene of her peak career triumph. Mike De Kock sends out a coupling, which includes the joint bottomweight Berlinetta. The daughter of Jet Master has won two of her four starts with shows of smart speed, and now takes a step into deeper waters.
The first of the Tarry runners is the Caesour filly Dolomiti. The daughter of Caesour has won three of six starts and looks the sort ideally suited to a touch further. That said, she ran a cracker last time in the Gardenia Handicap and looks a major contender here.
Sharks Attack
Paul Lafferty brings one of a three pronged KZN attack to town. The Var filly Garibondy is a fast winner of four of her six starts. The 3yo showed some hesitancy at her last start when slow away and this cost her the race, with Kitco holding on to beat her.
He worst ever race was over 1200m when she was hampered in the Gr1 Alan Robertson Championship. She has her first run outside her home province and is worth following.
Duncan Howells’ speedy Debutante winner My Sanctuary is a highly strung sort who has to handle the stresses of travel and a new track in this raid on Turffontein. The daughter of Antonius Pius is very talented and could surprise the locals if she adapts to the challenge.
Mature
In the older ranks, there are a few to choose from. Sean Tarry saddles She’s A Stunner. The daughter of Toreador appears to have her problems and returns from a 27 week break.She will need the run.
Brian Wiid’s speedy Mogok filly Alcanina ran fifth and just under four lengths behind Tiger Quest last time when contesting the Listed Gardenia Handicap. She is a very genuine sort and is capable of a big effort, despite her weight burden.
Relocated
The Tiger Ridge filly Counter Ridge now races for the Mike De Kock yard. Formerly based in KZN with Herman Brown, she is battling for her fourth win and is overdue for a decent payday. She has stayed on well at her last two starts, and won’t be stopping late in the race.
Tony Rivalland’s Australian bred Choir Maiden appears set to retire a two time winner. The daughter of Choisir always finds a few to beat her, and will have to pick up her feet against the speed around her in this race.
Barend Botes’ Tzigane is a freakishly talented 5yo. A R10 000 sale purchase, the two time winner is by Doowaley and is the veritable four legged ATM machine. While she may lack the toe and class to lift the winner’s trophy, she could well earn a stake again.
Royalty
Roy Magner’s Count Dubois mare Kinematic Countess is a versatile sort who won the Sycamore Sprint over the course and distance in April. A seven time winner, she has the ability to run and would not be winning out of turn. Gavin van Zyl saddles the Solskjaer filly Lady Tatty, who looks held by Choir Maiden.
She ran a cracking third behind Ilha Bela in the Gr3 Joburg Spring F&M Challenge, and therein probably lies the rub. She should find this a trifle sharp. Chase Maujean rides the Captain Al filly Summer Adieu for Lucky Houdalakis. The Klawervlei Stud bred speedster ran on well behind the classy Jet Belle at her last start, and while under sufferance, could challenge for the place money.
Complex
Not a race where we would stick our necks out. The classy Arcetri Pink and Virgo’s Babe could have the hometown advantage over the visitors. Dolomiti and Counter Ridge also need to be considered. But the race does not end there.
