Alec Laird-trained Solar Triptych has plenty in his favour and could seal his biggest win to date
Woody Allen once suggested that ‘tradition is the illusion of permanence’. After just a decade we bid farewell on Saturday to an event that bore the weighty burden of the tag of Africa’s richest race on sand, with some distinction in its short history. The 2015 renewal the R1 million Gr2 Supreme Cup looks capable of producing a champagne curtain call – but we’d say, it is probably no real punting proposition.
Form study is a science on most days. When there are a host of variables and unknowns, it becomes a bit of a lottery at best. That can be exciting for some.
Strike
Heading the unknowns is Piere Strydom’s mount.
Piere Strydom – counting the days to last sand meeting
The legendary rider has not enjoyed a love affair of any substance with this race. He steered the gallant Narc to victory over Lion Tamer for Bradley Maroun in 2007 and on Saturday rides Durban July consolation winner Ultimate Dollar for Justin Snaith.
In stark contrast to his former brother-in-law and good mate, Louis Goosen, top jockey Piere Strydom is one man who is counting the days to the closure of the Vaal sand – a track he once labelled the worst racecourse on earth.
“I was over the moon when I heard that the Vaal was closing and whatever Louis may suggest, it has absolutely nothing to do with my age or ability to push a horse for 2000m! I have gone on record with my opinion about the track and I will stick to it. A much younger colleague of mine expressed the same sentiments last Thursday after the meeting,” he said.
Willow Magic – Strydom committed to Snaith so Fortune rides
His commitment to the Snaith yard explains why he is not riding his regular, the classy former Gr1 winner Willow Magic – another sand virgin, who has the class to stamp his authority – with Andrew Fortune behind the controls.
“Ultimate Dollar has not seen the Vaal sand and that is my first concern . They tend to slip at the jump at their first try at this track. He also won over 2200m, so I must question whether he will have the pace to take advantage of his favourable 2 draw. Particularly as we have the pacy Precursor on our inside,” he cautioned.
Ultimate Dollar, who may have bigger fish to fry at Turffontein in the next few month, has not run in 12 weeks – but it is interesting to note that he had the pace to win early on over 1400m on the turf.
Speed
Precursor is a speedy sort who is bound to be leading the charge after 25m from his 1 draw. The son of Captain Al is very quick and has achieved plenty of success over sprints on the sand. He failed at his only try over a mile as a 3yo in classic company.
A lot will depend on how hard he is pushed early on.
Roman Carnival wins the August Stakes with ease – but he draws poorly here
Steve Moffatt’s August Stakes winner Roman Carnival is a course specialist who comes in handily weighted – but has an awful 16 draw to overcome. The son of Windrush has won 3 of his last 4 starts, is fit and will only need some luck to feature.
Alec Laird’s Solar Triptych looks a delectable cherry on the 50kg mark with a half decent draw. The son of Trippi loves the course and distance and is on the way up. It would be a massive win for his young rider, Callan Murray.
Mike De kock’s coupling of Mootahadee and Toro Rosso are both stepping up a few rungs – but are course and distance suited and racing fit. Anthony Delpech rides Toro Rosso at a slim looking 52kgs – but from an awful draw.
Mike Azzie’s pair of Deputy Jud and Isphan must have place chances, while topweighted veteran Uncle Tommy ran third in 2013, second in 2014 and could go one better – even at 8 years old!
Numbers Game
The balance look to really just be making up the numbers.
Lavendar Landscape is a decent sort who likes to race up with the pace. Drawn in midfield, he has the gate speed to get into the action but this is stronger than he has faced and he is probably at his peak at a mile.
All The Bids – looks to be outgunned
Corne Spies’ All The Bids is a decent sand galloper on his day but ran a poor race last time out when running downfield behind Guy From Dubai. He was reported having pulled up lame.
His last two career wins were achieved in the lesser environs of Kimberley racing and he has plenty of ground to have to make up here.
Sean Tarry-trained Jade Vine is the only member of the fairer sex in the field. She returned to action after a six month rest to run a 7,80 length fourth to Roman Carnival in the August Stakes.
She meets the Moffatt galloper on 6,5 kgs better terms here, but her fitness and wellbeing looks suspect – and she was scratched with colic from her last scheduled prep run.
Taptap Makhatini has only had two runs since finishing 6 lengths behind Tommy Gun in last year’s event.
He appears to have respiratory issues and cannot be fancied.
Take your pick!
