Deep Waters. The Shark switches from turf to sand and his class could prevail in Monday’s Kimberley 1400
From the caviar and champagne of the Met, to the bread and butter of Flamingo Park. The full spectrum of the diversity of our horseracing is vividly illustrated as we fly North to Flamingo Park, for the running of the R100 000 Kimberley 1400 on Monday.
Mark Twain said that it is difference of opinion that makes horse races, and whether you found the Met winner or not, the challenge starts afresh in the new week, sans the crowds, the fashion and the parking issues. The genuine tryers, rather than Saturday’s fair weather high flyers, will be back at the daily grindstone and the Kimberley racing card looks interesting for the punting patriot.
Intriguing
The non black-type feature on the usual manic Monday schedule presents an intriguing poser with eleven runners going to post. While it is no simple matter, the race looks a straight three cornered tussle between stablemates, The Shark and Claverhouse, and the consistent Jack Dan.
The powerful Dorrie Sham yard send out The Shark for his first run on the sand and the single major unknown factor is the gelding’s aptitude for the surface. Let’s make the assumption that the Shams wouldn’t waste time and money with a wild experiment and that some solid basis exists for the raid. The Shark is talented and shown some touches of class on the turf.
Formerly with Dean Kannemeyer, the Zimbabwean bred has had five runs in PE and earned at four of them. A winner of five of his 29 runs, he is getting closer with every run and ran on strongly when beaten narrowly by the talented Blaze Of Fire over the Arlington 1400m at his last run.
Fear Factor
The Shark is well drawn at 4, and probably has most to fear from his very capable stable companion, Claverhouse. A winner of 7 of 18 starts, the Victory Moon gelding has won 3 of his last 4 starts, and while withdrawn as lame at his scheduled start on 7 January, he should strip fit here. Claverhouse is proven and experienced on the sand, and will be partnered by Gunter Wrogemann, who knows him well.
Versatility
Jack Dan has drawn poorly, but is most consistent and a winner of 10 races. The son of Joshua Dancer has shown a remarkable versatility of late and may have found his prime performance level at around this trip. He beat Claverhouse a half length over a mile in November, but is now a kilo worse off.
Jack Dan appears quite sound, and there should be little to choose between the two again, although Claverhouse has less to do from his pole position draw. It looks very difficult for the rest, beyond those top three.
Top Team
Sherman Brown and Vernon Rugg team up with the four time winner The Phantom. The uniquely sprinting son of Arc winner Saumarez appears most comfortable over 1000m and ran a rather poor race behind Zezinho Belo last time out.
He finished over ten lengths back in the Flamingo Sprint, and has shown nothing to suggest he could win over this trip – even from a good draw with a top jockey in the saddle. Rugg’s other two of Hunters Green and Night Landing are capable on their day, but recent form does not inspire any confidence.
The 6yo Hunters Green has won nine races and is no slouch on his day, but is battling to get back into the payout queue. Night Landing on the other hand is a 4yo, and probably capable of reviving his fortunes and upping his game.
He ran a poor race last time when fading badly to finish over twelve lengths behind Eye Of The World in a mile Pinnacle Plate. His previous run over 1400m, was a lot better. He stayed on for a 2 lengths fourth to the consistent Jack Dan, and may have a place chance on that.
Low Profile
Trainer Jaap Visser is a low profile man who has been clocking up the winners this season in Kimberley racing. His burgeoning operation sends out a trio, headed by the Jallad gelding Metro Man. Metro Man carries a paperweight 48kgs and is a fit horse, having run at the last two Monday meetings, where he earned at both outings.
He won over the course and distance in an MR 78 at his penultimate start, and then ran third to Rollin Thunder over a mile last Monday. This is stronger, but he carries a lightweight and could be the value choice for those looking to beat the topweights.
Visser also sends out the well drawn mare Zaafiel, and the Toreador gelding Poulnabrone, who has his second sand run after a shocking debut last Monday. They look very unlikely.
Model Man
Leon Lotz’ Sharp Dressed Man has finished over 44 lengths back at his last three starts, and has not won in over a year. He is poorly drawn here, but it may be worth noting that he came in for a nibble of betting support at his last outing, and may be showing something at home. He certainly is showing nothing at racing, to be frank!
Owner Paul Barrett has the distinction of being the only man with a Met runner and a feature contestant here today. Mr Vindaloo may well be no, excuse the pun, ‘sharp dresser’ like Fabiani, but he is a game fellow who has picked up three wins since starting his career in Cape Town with Glen Kotzen.
He has moved from the coast to Kimberley. They say a change is as good as a holiday, and If he takes to the surface, he would have an undeniable place chance
Deep Waters
Claverhouse and Jack Dan know their way around this track blindfolded and are two tough characters who are close to their best over the course and distance. The Shark could be better than both though, if he takes to being thrown in the deep end, as it were.
We are leaning towards his class and his best performances shown on the turf. If his pilot Hennie Greyling can keep a close eye on the leaders and ensure that he doesn’t have too much ground to make up, he could win it.
