The barrier draw and some luck in running look set to play an inordinately dominant role in the R350 000 Gr2 Post Merchants to be run over 1200m on the Greyville turf on Friday evening. But despite those variables, the cream inevitably rises to the top – and Sean Tarry’s decently weighted Willow Magic could be the ace in the pack with Piere Strydom up.
Drawn in midfield, and with the versatility and toe to be placed by his top jockey, the 4yo son of Dubawi looks set to register his first win since his return victory at Turffontein in January after a 14 month layoff.
Good Run
Piere Strydom – could have Willow Magic in front when it countsl
A former Gr 1 SA Nursery winner, Willow Magic stayed on well to take champion Legislate all the way to the wire in the recent Gr1 Gold Challenge, and over 400m shorter, against lesser opposition, he looks the answer.
He certainly showed with his fifth in the Tsogo Sun Sprint at his penultimate jump that he has lost none of his toe over Friday evening’s trip.
He carries a ‘discount’ of 2kgs for his Gold Challenge hike of 4 MR points, as the weights were published here prior to the mile race.
Wide Again
Cape trainer Joey Ramsden already has a complex about the draws allocated to his runners in KZN, and he saddles the smart Brutal Force – from a 13 draw.Ouch!
Brutal Force beats Zambezi River – but poorly drawn here
The 3yo son of Western Winter beat Kenilworth Saturday winner Castlethorpe at his prep run for the Tsogo Sun Sprint at his penultimate start.
He was drawn ‘on the glue strip’ at Scottsville in the Gr1 sprint and was never a factor, finishing over 9 lengths behind Captain Of All. It is safe to assume that Anton Marcus would have had the Jooste choice and since he is engaged for Charles Laird’s Normanz, he may be a better option.
While not beautifully in at the weights, the son of Var has a good draw and natural speed to be a major factor.
Bass Duo
Gr1 winner Normanz
Normanz was well weighted to win the Gr1 Tsogo Sun Sprint last season, and despite that, with that victory under the belt, comes in here with major claims.
That said, he has been found lacking at his last two Gr1 starts.
Mike Bass saddles a coupling of the topweighted Tevez, and the lightly raced Equity Kicker.
Tevez, who was born on the same farm as Normanz, is top class on his day and is well drawn with top heavyweight Bernard Fayd’herbe in the saddle.
He could run a decent race if suffering no ill effects after his last run in Joburg, when unplaced in the Computaform Sprint.
He finished a 1,85 length fourth in this race last year with joint topweight.
The 3yo Trippi gelding Equity Kicker does not boast the same credentials as his stablemate, and gets thrown in the deep end here. He carries a galloping 52 kgs, and could be better than rated.
Pot And Kettle
Alec Laird’s Aurum Pot is an interesting runner from a decent draw. JP van Der Merwe gets the ride.
His defeat of Sheik’s Brashee over 1160m in his penultimate start was franked when that gelding went on to finish third at any price in the Gr1 Tsogo Sun Sprint.
Justin Snaith – won it last year
Justin Snaith saddles the well-drawn Dynasty gelding Daring Dave, who ran on steadily when 4,40 lengths back in the Tsogo Sun Sprint.
Snaith, who won this race last year with a filly, will be keen to show that his confidence shown early in the Cape summer in the formerly consistent Daring Dave, was not unfounded.
Mike Azzie is enjoying a good season and he saddles the Tiger Ridge gelding, Isphan. The bang in-form Gavin Lerena will be a major asset.
Drawn in midfield, he has not run since going fifth in the Gr1 Computaform Sprint – but has 2 kgs to find on Willow Magic, whom was just a quarter length behind him.
Drakenstein stallion Duke Of Marmalade will be looking for another stakes win from his 4yo son Moofeed – a consistent sort with a great turn of foot.
The Mike De Kock trained runner was outgunned in the Tsogo Sun Sprint when switched and finishing 5,75 lengths adrift – but the Greyville turn will suit his gears – and he could be a factor, despite a 14 draw – with Delpech in the irons.
Naidoo Coupling
Royal Zulu Warrior – best days behind him?
Kumaran Naidoo saddles a coupling for owner Roy Moodley.
Now rising 9 years of age, the eight-time winning Royal Zulu Warrior won over the course and distance in March in a Pinnacle Stakes but has it all to do from a 10 draw at these weights.
The 4yo Royalsecuritypower has pulled the paint draw and will be flashing his speed early on.
While a course and distance winner, he seems best over 1000m and is in the deep end in this company.
The Mark Dixon trained Showmetheway has shown flashes of smart sprinting ability (he is Gr1 placed) and finished only two lengths off Varikate last year.
He has been off form for some time and looks to have plenty to do from a 12 draw.
Place Prospect
The smart
Mogok gelding Kingston Boy
Doug Campbell’s 5yo Mogok gelding Kingston Boy has drawn awfully at 15.
He ran second in this race last year from a 1 draw, but has a mountain to climb this time round.
The same wide draw hurdle applies to Sheik’s Brashee, who ran a cracking third in the Gr1 Tsogo Sun Sprint. He must be a place prospect at best.
The consistent, albeit very disappointing, Diamond King faces a mammoth task at the weights and returns from a 25 week break. He ran on well for second behind Fourth Estate in the Christmas Handicap but will need to be at his best to bid for a cheque.
