Owner Adriaan Van Vuuren has played the second hand market in search of top horses. He has had some mixed results but could have found himself an instant winner in the top quality Toreador filly, Lazer Star.
Lazer Star
The talented Lazer Star was formerly trained by Ormond Ferraris and raced in the silks of top jockey’s wife Annali Marwing.
Mike Azzie saddles the good filly on Saturday and interestingly has stuck with the former owner’s husband in the saddle – Weichong Marwing has been aboard at all but one of the 4yo’s seven victories.
The record books show that the 2015 Gr2 Camellia Stakes was Lazer Star’s worst run in her eleven starts.
As has been the case at of most of her racecourse appearances she started favourite – but failed to kick and ran a rare bad race.
New trainer Mike Azzie will be keen to set the record straight when she faces eleven rivals in the 2016 renewal on Saturday.
Her last start was probably her best to date when she came within a heartbeat of winning the Senor Santa. Her penultimate was also against the boys when again going down agonisingly narrowly in the Gr2 Hawaii Stakes.
Her form looks a cut above the rest and this is probably her favourite trip.
The Azzman also saddles Easy Game and Mella Maria.
Zechner and Easy Game – strong pair
Karl Zechner knows how to ride Easy Game, who won the Listed Bauhiinia Handicap three runs back.
Gr3 Sycamore Sprint winner Tiger’s Touch is one of a Tarry duo that includes Gauteng Guineas winner Heaps Of Fun who drops in trip after appearing not to stay the SA Fillies Classic 1800m.
Tiger’s Touch may not have seen out the mile of the Empress Club Stakes when 2 lengths fourth to Inara last time. Her speed form is outstanding.
Sensible Lover has come well in her late 4yo season and ran on powerfully in the Sycamore and the Empress Club Stakes – in both running on too late for second.
She is a classy sort and Richard Fourie is back to ride her.
Stan Ferreira saddles two hard knockers in Kwinta and Lumya.
Both 4yo’s are capable and while Kwinta may have found the Senor Santa a bit hot last time, she will be more comfortable against her own sex again. She is very quick.
Lumya may be held by Easy Game on their Bauhinia meeting but is never far off the action and can bank place money.
Lucky Houdalakis saddles Ha Lucy and Joan Ranger – the latter returning from a KZN raiding stint where she was not disgraced with a win and Gr3 placing.
Ha Lucy was well beaten in the Sycamore Sprint and this daughter of Trippi has a few lengths to make up.
Corne Spies’ Sarve registered her last win in Kimberley – she is fit and versatile and could shock if in the mood.
David Nieuwenhuizen trained Kilauea has won 2 from 4 starts but is held by Tiger’s Touch on the Sycamore run.
The race looks Lazer Star’s for the taking and she is the confident selection to beat Tiger’s Touch and Sensible Lover.
It will be interesting to see how Heaps Of Fun performs back on the straight track.
