Stable form and race fitness could be key to the outcome of today’s R150 000 Listed The Sledgehammer where eleven runners line up on the Scottsville inside track 1750m. The race looks a prep outing for many of them – so an eye on the betting may also be of some assistance.
It Is Written could follow up
Dean Kannemeyer is unstoppable at the moment in KZN and he saddles a coupling that includes recent Scottsville winner It Is Written and the classy Vodacom Durban July nominee, Balance Sheet.
While we have a slight preference for It Is Written, who looks the race readier of the two, it is of some interest that Anthony Delpech will ride Balance Sheet.
The Gr3 Christmas Handicap winner It Is Written is a really decent sort on his day came home impressively to win a cracker beating Chestnut’s Rocket over 1400m last time.
Dean Kannemeyer – great form
The extra 350m will suit him and from a good draw and with Stuart Randolph up (he won the Christmas Handicap on him), must have a serious shout.
2015 Gold Cup runner-up Balance Sheet is having his second run after a rest and was beaten 4 lengths by It Is Written on his return after an eight month break.
He will enjoy this extra but will need to be watched for fitness.
Snaith Coupling
Justin Snaith has not quite had the start he may have hoped for in the 2016 SA Champions Season but could right that situation in under two minutes on Sunday.
He saddles topweight Master’s Eye.
He was close up in both the Gr2 Premier Trophy and the Gr2 Peninsula Handicap behind recently exported Light The Lights.
The Cape Winter Derby runner-up is the highest rated runner in the race and will be in the mix – if his 15 week break from action doesn’t catch him out.
Ultimate Dollar – decent sort buy may need it
His stablemate Ultimate Dollar won the Consolation July last term but had no joy in an abortive Joburg trip. He has not run since running downfield in the Summer Cup.
Anton Marcus knows Charles Laird’s Stormy Eclipse very well. The 4yo is a very consistent son of Dynasty and chased It Is Written home in the Christmas Handicap.
He meets It Is Written on a half kilo better terms – and there should be little between them.
Former Stan Elley charge Big Cat was unplaced in this race last year and was slow and ran handily before failing to kick behind Solid Speed last time.
He enjoys to run at them late off a decent pace and could be in the reckoning for quartet money.
Follow The Light
Garth Puller-trained Way Of Light is a game and fairly consistent five-time winner from fifteen starts – he has tended to be focussed on the poly where he has enjoyed most of his success.
Way Of Light – needs to improve
He finished stone last in the Listed Easter Handicap and drops 200m. He will need to dig up something extra to be a factor in this company.
The 7yo Marchant sprung to life at his last start with a really impressive win in an MR 90 Handicap over a mile at Greyville.
That was his first win since August 2015 and this will prove a much tougher test for the son of Dynasty.
Former Stan Elley charge Dynastic Power has his second run for the Vaughan Marshall yard after a long layoff following an unplaced effort in the Vodacom Durban July.
His last run was 9 weeks ago and while he is a classy galloper, the Greyville 1900 winner may be best after a few more runs.
Stayer
Mike Bass’ staying prospect Three Balloons has his second run in KZN and will need further to show his true ability.
He looks likely to be prepped towards the Gold Cup and cannot be fancied against the more pacier sorts rated above him.
Gavin Van Zyl’s Silvano gelding Night Shadow looks to have a tough ask here and has largely earned his rating of 86 on the polytrack.
He reverts to the turf – a surface on which he is yet to register a win.
We are siding with It Is Written to beat Stormy Eclipse and Master’s Eye – but don’t ignore Balance Sheet and Big Cat for the minor placings.
