Moofeed has won three of her four starts
En-route to winning the Gr1 Computaform Sprint back in 2008, the legendary J J The Jet Plane won this race for 3yo’s. Ten go to post this time around and although another superstar is not sure to be in the offing, there is nonetheless plenty with real potential.
One such runner is the lightly raced Olive Leaf. Sean Tarry’s charge (28/10 into 18/10 fav) had the remainder some nine lengths adrift when beating the subsequent five length winner Whatalady over 1200m at the Vaal on debut.
Her only subsequent outing came in the Gr3 Three Troikas Stakes over 1450m where despite being disadvantaged by a saddle slip she was only beaten five and a half lengths by the Gr2 Gauteng Fillies Guineas third placed runner Alina.
The Laird Factor
Trainer Alec Laird has already produced a number of top class looking youngsters this season and in the lightly raced Dollar Dazzler he could have found another. After only managing to finish fourth when backed into 15/20 from 5/1 on debut, the son of Var then showed his potential when winning his only subsequent outing by ten and a half lengths.
Is Dollar Dazzler the stable elect though? Alec also saddles Aurum Pot, and it is interesting that former champion jockey Anthony Delpech has been booked to ride. His recent form would suggest that he has a bit to find now up in class, but he did show flashes of real ability earlier and could be the dark horse.
Geoff’s Bid
In form trainer Geoff Woodruff saddles both Tee Jay Ar and Right Royal Diva. The Australian bred Right Royal Diva won his only previous racecourse appearance and interestingly, the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th have all won since. She can only improve.
Jockey Robbie Fradd rode Right Royal Diva when she won though, and with him taking the ride on Tee Jay Ar you would expect the son of Flying Spur to be the stable elect. Tee Jay Ar impressed when beating the useful Lance over 1160m here on debut.
His run in Cape Town next time out was disappointing in comparison, but he did then show a very nice turn of foot after being hampered twice when flying up late to finish third over 1450m. He can be forgiven is effort when well beaten in the very soft going in the Gr2 Gauteng Guineas last time out and he too could still improve plenty.
Moofeed
Globetrotter Mike De Kock’s sole representative in the race is the lightly raced Moofeed. This son of Dizzy De Lago has won three of his four starts, his only defeat coming in the listed Sea Cottage Stakes over 1800m won by the subsequent Gr2 Gauteng Guineas winner Louis The King. He won well when back over shorter over today’s course and distance in the non-black type Gold Rush Sprint last time out, and clearly still improving, he must have a shout.
Trip Tease
Louis Goosen’s charge was beaten fair and square when a length behind Moofeed in the Gold Rush Sprint. He was having his second run after a rest in that event and he did then win well in a MR90 Handicap over 1000m next time out. He too is on the upgrade and now 0,5kg better off with Moofeed there shouldn’t be much between them again.
Leon’s Speedsters
Jimmi Choo showed blistering early pace as a 2yo last season, most notably when winning the listed Storm Bird Stakes over 1000m here in March. His three wins have all come over 1000m, but interestingly, he was only beaten a neck over today’s trip when runner up in the Gr3 Protea Stakes. His form of late has been disappointing though, and he has been reported as lame in two of his last four outings.
Stable companion Tiger Territory also shows good gate speed and has proven to be at his best over 1000m. Three of his four wins have been gained on the sand, and having been reported as coughing in three of his last four starts, he too would appear to have his problems.
Velvet Verona
As well as beating the very useful Bouclette Top as a juvenile last season, Corne Spies’ charge also slammed Tiger Territory by six. He’s been in good form this season as his merit ratings will attest, but whereas he has improved on the sand, his rating has been going in the opposite direction on turf. He steps up in class here and will probably find it a bit tough.
About The Pace
With a number of candidates for the role of front runner in the field the pace looks sure to be on. Moofeed, Olive Leaf and Dollar Dazzler are all very lightly raced and could yet prove to be anything. The one who gets our vote on the day though is the Flying Spur gelding Tee Jay Ar.
