Northern Cape racing hosts a welcome weekday feature courtesy of the R100 000 Flamingo Park Sprint which will be run in Kimberley on the first Monday of 2016. Charismatic PE-based trainer Duncan McKenzie could hold the keys to the cash van in the shape of the revitalised AP Answer gelding, Just A Jag.
Just A Jag has been one of those classic major centre relocation revelations.
Just A Jag is on the up
After largely going nowhere fast with two modest fourth placed cheques from six starts while based with Brett Crawford down in Phillipi, he has shown his preference for the Kimberley sand in a positive way – with money in the bank.
All of his three local starts have been over Monday’s feature course and distance of 1200m…
Form jockey Karl Zechner ride the Jag
And Just A Jag has won his two races by an aggregate of 6,45 lengths – only beaten in his second start when running on strongly and just failing to get to Seattle Sunset.
Well drawn, well weighted, fit and distance suited – he must be a massive runner to get punters off to a flyer in the new year.
His 12 opponents are generally a mixed bunch of seasoned triers – no pushovers, when in the mood!
The very consistent former KZN runner Yesan Star was beaten 2,70 lengths by Just A Jag three runs back and now meets the Mckenzie runner on a half kilo worse terms.
That is not a major issue and he has run two decent races in the interim – winning his last in a lowly MR 70 Handicap – but has a 13 draw to overcome.
Tienie Prinsloo’s Windrush gelding Blast has won two of his three starts in Kimberley since relocating from PE and comes into the picture from his favourable 3 draw.
Trainer Clinton Binda has enjoyed a profitable December with seven winners and his last visit to Flamingo Park on 7 December produced a double.
He saddles the Right Approach gelding Night Editor, who has been running in stronger company up North.
The lightly raced 5yo has his first start down here and could surprise if he takes to the local conditions.
Drawn right next door Just A Jag is Corrie Lensley’s First Answer – another son of AP Answer who relishes the surface.
If we ignore his last outing, First Answer must come into the reckoning as he is always thereabouts – even though seemingly preferring an extra 200m.
Topweight Devon Gold is a bit of an in-and-out sort who is capable on his day. It is difficult getting too excited about the 8yo.
Just A Jag is the up-and-coming talent and has all the ticks in the boxes in his favour.
