The Gr3 Algoa Cup trophy hardly spends five minutes in the Windy City every year. History shows that the ‘PE July’ is owned by away horses. Local man Jacques Strydom bucked that trend though when he saddled Surfin’ USA to win in 2009.
Strydom sends out three Go Deputy geldings in his bid to achieve a rare breakthrough again on Sunday.
Surfin’ USA – class galloper on his day
Sixteen horses will line-up at the 2000m mark on Day 2 of the Algoa Cup festival to contest a typically tricky handicap, with a visiting line-up described as ‘particularly strong’ by Strydom.
“I don’t think I have seen a raiding line-up this strong in years. Sean Tarry won it at his first try in 2015 and he is back and will no doubt believe he can follow up. But the Cape guys are here in numbers and my trio are very fit,” he said with his usual cheery disposition.
Strydom saddles topweighted multiple Eastern Cape Polytrack Horse Of The Year Gogetthesheriff as his major hope.
Jacques Strydom – loves the Go Deputy progeny
We had to get the Go Deputy question out of the way:
“That’s just a coincidence that all my three are from the same stallion, naturally. But I have enjoyed working with his progeny. Interestingly Sheriff loves the polytrack, and the other two hate the surface. Just goes to show that, while the experts may argue differently, there are no rules when it comes to horses,” he laughed.
Jacques said that this would be Gogetthesheriff’s first try at the 2000m while in his care and indicated that he would have to fancy his chances.
He pointed out that Gogetthesheriff was jumping out of his skin and was an ‘absolute bull’.
PE’s favourite son – Gogetthesheriff lumbers top weight – but Jacques says he is fit and ready
“It is funny how one solves one issue, and then another pops up. We got horse whisperer Malan du Toit to solve his jumping problem, But now he jumps so well and he gallops too hard! So before we lost lengths and then flew up late – now it’s a totally different story. That is why I have to say that if they go slow it will suit us – and if they go fast, it will suit us too. Work that one out!” he laughed.
He said his other two runners were building up to peak fitness and as there were no turf races ‘’for months’, they were being brought along on the poly – and it made sense to grab an opportunity on the turf.
Get your racecard here
Sean Tarry is out for a double and he saddles a decent – albeit slightly aged – runner in of 8yo Halve The Deficit.
Halve The Deficit seen winning the Listed Wolf Power – he isn’t getting any younger
Nobody wants to be tipping 8yo’s, but it is worth noting that while the former Gr2 Colorado King Stakes winner Halve The Deficit is winless for over a year, he has run to a best of 111, which is some way off his current mark.
The son of Right Approach looks nicely weighted, and with a good draw and the SA champion jockey up, must be included.
While his colleague Joey Ramsden is missing this year, Justin Snaith brings a bold quintet to town.
Last year’s finish as Stonehenge holds them at bay in a thriller – can Tarry do it again on Sunday?
Aldo Domeyer rides Krambambuli, who has maintained fair form since his running on fourth when under a length behind Stonehenge in last year’s race.
The 6yo Masterly has been based at the Snaith satellite yard in PE for some time and has maintained solid form on both surfaces. He looks to turn the tables on Alghadeer at the weight swing of their last clash.
Justin Snaith’s East Cape Derby winner Captain Splendid is maturing into a nice stayer
East Cape Derby winner Captain Splendid has developed into a consistent 4yo stayer.
He produced one of his best runs ever at this track and will be a factor off a decent pace with a handy weight under the hungry Grant van Niekerk.
The 7yo True Master was unsuccessful in this event in 2013 but has shown a revival of late, winning two of his last three starts.
Brett Crawford – has he found the right race for Nebula?
Brett Crawford’s Nebula is an interesting runner off the 52 kg mark.
The son of Silvano failed to fulfil classic aspirations but appears to be maturing into a decent 4yo and this lightly raced gelding could be the dark horse in the hands of crack lightweight, Richard Fourie.
Best of the local hopes beyond Gogetthesheriff could well be another Go Deputy.
His name is Welsh Emperor and Alan Greeff kept this fellow on the boil throughout his 3yo campaign.
Alan Greeff – Welsh Emperor is very consistent
He beat some really decent older campaigners at his penultimate start and his form shows that he could be at his best over this trip.
Derby Trial runner-up Stebbins has his second run for Gavin Smith after relocating from the Weiho Marwing yard.
The son of Western Winter famously placed in the SA Derby behind Triple Crown winner Abashiri, and would only need to run to his better form to stand an earning chance. But he is poorly drawn.
The heart says Gogetthesheriff. The head suggests Welsh Emperor, Krambambuli and the low profile Nebula.
Whatever the outcome, it will be a great day’s racing as it always is.
