Super Trouper looks a big candidate for top honours in the feature (Pic: Gavin MacLeod)
Corne Spies had a field day at Borrowdale Park on November 29 but other yards look set to pick up the gauntlet today. Earlier in the week the rains came with a vengeance and the forecast is for more of the same. Any change in the going would add spice to an already interesting card, writes Sheldene Chant.
The Spies stable steps out recent winners On This Rock and Atso’s Scheme in the main race, the US$9 000 Zimbabwe Challenge over 1400m. However they take on some worthy contenders here.
The Gokhan Terzi trained Super Trouper comes to light over this distance and, although beaten by On This Rock over 1200m, he had the upper hand when the pair met over 1300m. That day On This Rock was in receipt of 1.5 kgs and he will meet Super Trouper at level weights on Sunday.
Atso’s Scheme has not clashed with Super Trouper before but has beaten top weighted Madigan, as well as Copper Bay and Alula Borealis over 1800m. This trio will line up with Atso’s Scheme on much better terms. Count The Music also comes into the reckoning, as do Gentle Brook and Thriller In Manila.
The last mentioned was due to race in the HRIB Gold Cup, won by On This Rock, but was withdrawn at the start. This Gharir gelding won four successive races then, after a very long break, was third to On This Rock on November 16, beaten a length at level weights. On This Rock will give the Thriller 3,5 kgs on Sunday.
Thriller In Manila has kept his nose in front of Super Trouper over 1200m, when in receipt of 4kgs – on Sunday this will be cut to 3,5 kgs. He has yet to go further than 1200m but on breeding should get the trip.
She trains for Peter Moor of Golden Acres Stud, home of Gharir, West Man and Tambourlane, and this yard can be relied on to produce early two-year-olds. It is worth noting that the colts – Rufous, Slick and Yesterday Man – will be ridden by apprentices claiming 4 kgs. Stable jockey Karl Zechner has the ride on the Gharir filly, Starry Notions.
“Apprentice Collin Storey (1.5 kgs) rides AP Ikhaja for the Spies yard.
This filly ran at Turffontein on December 6 and placed third. Seb d’Aquino saddles a daughter of Horse Chestnut, Absolute Horse, and Caribbean by Tropical Empire, represents Gokhan Terzi. I haven’t heard any whispers but fancy Absolute Horse and Best Beloved, simply because I do
Second and fourth races on the card are Maiden Plates and the advent of so many “new” horses is playing havoc with punters’ comfort zones. I am probably not the only person currently allergic to maidens. Both these races feature 20 runners, and the first over 1200m, also includes five previously unraced horses.
Horses with Borrowdale form in the 1800m Maiden Plate are Merhaba, So Ruler, First Approach, Arrowfield and Argodaba. Flintstone from Harris Racing has looked good and placed well in his four starts. This Count Dubois gelding would be an obvious choice but hasn’t previously gone further than 1300m.
A 1900m Pinnacle Plate will provide welcome relief between the Maiden Plates. All of Macchiato, Supa Dupa, Butler Yeats, Star Dance, Hypodromo da Gavea and Tsar Nichola finished behind Iron Lady over this distance at the November 29 meeting. On Sunday Iron Lady has the worst of the draw but could still take some beating. Others she has to look out for are Zimbabwe Derby winner Demitasse and Menacing, ridden by Gavin Lerena.
Gokhan Terzi, trainer of Super Trouper (Pic: Rosie Dorward)
Kirk Swanson has quite a strong hand in the 1700m MR 65 Handicap with Wee Doch ‘n Dorris, Stirling Road and Jolie Kitten. He will also saddle Road To Dubai, three-year-old winner of his only start to date over 1100m. This has the makings of an excellent race as one cannot overlook Sin Latigo (drawn wide) or her stable mate Felan, and if you are into big quartets don’t forget Princess Kate, Heron Boy and Bobby Soxer.
The 20 runners listed in the 1300m Merit Rated 65 Handicap, last race of the day, are a mixture of horses with local form and newcomers to racing in Harare. Rock The System from Fairvew is a 5-time winner and now trained by Amy Bronkhorst. Corne Spies will saddle one-time winner Bezalady and two-time winner White Whisper. Seb d’Aquino sends out Rebel Pose who has won once, and Terzi has entered Walton Heath, a winner of two races. Be cautious.
Of the rest Wildcat Brook, Sido, Little Venice and Castle Hill should have a say in the final outcome – to name but a few.
This will be the last time popular commentator Adrian Nydam calls races at Borrowdale Park. He will be missed in this role but will still be around, wearing his other hat, as P.J. Moor’s racing manager.
