The game Two Gun Kid is up against it, but is fit and talented and could shock them.
It appears to be a case of catch the Pick 6 at Arlington this afternoon and retire. Bumper fields are the order of the day and the topliner, the R90 000 Cradock Place Stakes, is wide open.
There is no standout banker on the popular Friday PE programme and a case can be made for any one of the thirteen horse field that goes to post in the feature.
A notable aspect on first glance is the fact that the form horses are probably suited to a touch further than the 1200m, and here the 7yo Celtic Fire and the Shams’ bang in form Two Gun Kid stand out.
Celtic Fire is one of the most consistent horses in training and stands on the threshold of joining the heady ranks of horses that have won sixteen races.
He was beaten a quarter length by the smart Two Gun Kid in the Founders Trophy, a race that is 400m further than today’s contest.
In Celtic Fire’s favour this time round is that he is all of 4kgs better off with Two Gun Kid and will be ridden by the powerful Wayne Agrella.
Against him will be the 11 draw and the fact that he only gets going late in his races.
His stablemate Copper Parade is top class on his day, but has not seen action since Super Saturday and is battling to win again. He returns from a dry spell in the KZN Champions Season and has the advantage of a 1 draw.
Bois De Var returns froma break
Two Gun Kid, like Celtic Fire, may find this a bit quick for his liking.
He has done well in blinkers previously, and the headgear no doubt crossed Dorrie Sham’s mind.
He is 4kgs worse off with Celtic Fire, but is very capable on his day and jumps from a good draw.
His stablemate Chill Factor is a good sort and has his second run here after a fair debut a fortnight ago.
Richard Fourie rides the Snaith’s gallant galloper Cap Alright.
The son of Captain Al has not run since 14 June, when was back in the Durban Merchants. He would have been freshened up by Estelle Blake and could run into place money if not too ring rusty.
His stablemate Bois De Var has pulled the worst draw and is another who comes off a rest. He is capable, and the sort that could surprise at best.
The Plunderer is third of the Snaith trio and on riding arrangements must be the least fancied.
The Muhtafal gelding London Perfect has gone right off the boil at his last three starts and should battle here.
Gavin Smith sends out Never Forever, Le Var and Sidestep.
All three are very capable but fit much the same profile of being out of form and out of sorts.
Mitch Wiese saddles Silent Partner and Sandy Celebre.
The former had his first PE outing last Friday and did not run too far behind Astro News in the Arlington 1800. This should be too short for him.
Sandy Celebre is very fast and won his penultimate start over 1000m. He was scratched at the start last time when quietly fancied, but he is probably best over the minimum cut.
A tough race, where various angles dish up different conclusions.
Two Gun Kid is well and fit and although out at the weights, could follow up if JP Van Der Merwe can get him into it early.
Celtic Fire can never be discounted and will deliver another honest effort.
The PA gets underway in race 3 at 13h30, while the Pick 6 starts at 14h05.
Break a leg!
