An exciting return clash between champion miler Legal Eagle and recent dual Gr1 Empress Club Stakes winner Nother Russia sets up a terrific climax as the curtain comes down on the Highveld Season at Turffontein today.
Anton Marcus and Legal Eagle
The R4-million Premier’s Champion Challenge is run over 2000m and the two main players look to provide some serious fireworks, with a support cast of eleven quality opponents.
But an injury enforced jockey change that sees S’manga Khumalo take over from regular pilot Anton Marcus will have thrown a seed of doubt into the equation for the Eagle supporters..
Legal Eagle is the best handicapped runner and has at least a 4kg weight advantage over his rivals. Next best are a group of fillies and mares. Second best jointly are Nother Russia and Silvan Star with Fort Ember next best at a further 1kg disadvantage.
S’manga Khumalo – cool runder pressure
The burning question is whether Legal Eagle truly stays a stiff 2000m. Last year he was touched off by Deo Juvente with Nother Russia another short head away in third.
On Classic Day Legal Eagle and Nother Russia met in in the Gr1 HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes over 1600m, a distance over which Legal Eagle is unbeaten in eight starts, and she ran him to a neck.
He has not run since but Nother Russia did contest the Gr 1 HSH Princess Charlene Empress Club Stakes over 1600m a fortnight ago where she took off late to beat Al Danza by 0.40 lengths.
Trainer Sean Tarry has no doubt Legal Eagle will stay the 2000m and points out he did win the Derby as a three-year-old over 2450m in the wet. He also won this race two years ago and was just touched off last year.
“He’s very well right now and I’m delighted he’ll jump from No 4 draw,” Tarry told Tabnews . “And he will stay.”
Nother Russia – top quality mare
Mike de Kock, however, believes his charge will give Legal Eagle a run for his money. “No question he is the horse they all have to beat. One of the things I like about Nother Russia is she never gives up,” was the former multiple champion’s comment to Tabnews.
He admitted that having her fourth race in the space of six weeks could be a problem but she has come through her last two wins very well. “She battled in the last one over 1600m but I don’t see any problem with 2000m.
“I think she’s a lot better than she was last year but she will have to give some horses weight this time. Silvan Star was just 1.70 lengths behind her last week and is now 2kg better off.”
The pair certainly stand out above the rest.
Deo Juvente won this race last year in a dramatic finish but has not found that form again.
Abashiri’s last victory was at this meeting two years back when he won the SA Derby and was crowned SA Triple Crown champion. He failed to kick on in the Colorado King Stakes when fifth and 2 lengths off Coral Fever last time. He is running out of excuses.
Abashiri – Azzman says he is back to his best
French Navy’s recent form is not inspiring.
Glen Kotzen’s Silvan Star stayed on well for third in the Empress Club stakes at her last start. She will enjoy the extra and must be aiming at a nice place cheque if things go her way. She will strip a fit mare and has the in-form Richard Fourie in the saddle.
Paul Peter’s Fort Ember is 1kg better off with Coral Fever on her last run in the Colorado King Stakes and will strip fit for this challenge
The consistent Judpot gelding Coral Fever hit a career peak last time out when winning the Gr2 Colorado King Stakes over Saturday’s course and distance. This improving 5yo is always thereabouts and can run into the quartets again.
Brazuca was beaten over 8 lengths by Legal Eagle last time out and looks well held.
Safe Harbour ran an improved race when staying on for a 3 length fifth in the Empress Club Stakes. The daughter of Elusive Fort has not won in ages.
Orchid Island ran unplaced in the Horse Chestnut Stakes and the Empress Club Stakes and seems to have lost her better earlier form.
St John Gray’s Listed Drum Star winner Dawn Assault has hit a rich vein of consistent for and is on a hat-trick. This is a major step up in class.
Dawn Assault – on the improve
Glider Pilot has a mountain to climb at these weights but he is well. See his trainer’s thoughts elsewhere on this page.
Legal Eagle is selected to once again produce an outstanding effort and to hold Nother Russia. It should be a thrilling race to watch!
