A ten race programme with seven feature races in the mix will be held on the Turffontein standside today.
The first is off at 12h25 with the Bipot under way in the second race at 13h00.
The false rail is set at zero on back straight to 4m on the bend, with a 4m spur at the 700m mark.
The R150 000 Listed Oaks Trial to be run over 2000m offers the lesser lights an opportunity of a stepping stone to better things on handicap conditions.
With no standout in the line-up, the chances of something improving out of sight over the extra cannot be discounted.
Sean Tarry has already confirmed that his Pomodoro filly and Equus Champion Return Flight, an impressive end-to-end winner of last Saturday’s Gr1 SA Fillies Classic, will be aimed at the Gr2 SA Oaks over 2450m, with the July her current medium term target. Her stablemate, the Twice Over filly Second Request, disappointed and finished an 8,25 length tenth. She was possibly the victim of a tardy pace and being a staying type is also expected to take her chances on 30 March.
Will we see any of this lot in that line-up?
Sean Tarry – strong hand
Tarry has a trio of runners in today’s feature with the aptly named Out Of Sight probably the best of the bunch – but needing to improve dramatically after being well beaten at her last two.
Lyle Hewitson rides Satin Slipper who won her Turffontein 1800m maiden last time out and could improve again.
African Daisy ran a fair race in mixed company last time out when beaten 5 lengths by Derby Trial contender Protea Paradise.
Lucky Houdalakis – Seville Orange has a chance today
The only three-time winner in the line-up, Duke Of Marmalade’s daughter Seville Orange has to lump topweight and faces her biggest test to date. Lucky Houdalakis’ charge has caught the eye, stepping up from the 1400m, to the mile, and last time loved the 2000m. She could defy the challenge.
Elusive Coral is yet to show that she stays the 2000m – her 2400m effort was her poorest to date but she was reported to be making a respiratory noise – which could be the reason for the bad run. She won a low key handicap well last time over the mile and definitely warrants inclusion.
Pretty Border, on the other hand, has won over 2000m and should have no problem with stamina concerns. The daughter of Lateral ran on well behind Jetorio last time and looks a game and decent galloper.
On a day of competitive racing, this race presents a real poser with a chance to a host of runners.
Seville Orange has to lumber the lead but has looked classy and is going the right way. Elusive Coral and Pretty Border could be next best.
First timer/ rested horses comments
1 12:25 – ITSARUSH.CO.ZA WELCOMES YOU MAIDEN PLATE
2 TSITSIKAMMA BUSH A B Fortune: No comment given
9 LIVINGLAVIDALOCA P A Peter: Each way chance
2 13:00 – THABO MBEKI FOUNDATION MAIDEN PLATE (F & M)
1 URBAN OASIS S G Tarry: Has a chance if not needing the run
7 JUJUBE E G Anderson: No comment given
11 PEACH BLOSSOM B Webber: Improved with break but will still need the run
4 14:10 – RUFFIAN STAKES (Listed)
7 COCKNEY PRIDE T Spies: Scratched
10 17:40 – NEXT TURFFONTEIN RACEMEETING SATURDAY 16 MARCH MAIDEN PLATE (F& M)
11 AWAIT THE SUNSET G M Alexander: Will need the run,
- Thanks to Phumelela Publishing
