The R150 000 Listed Drum Star Handicap is the low-key feature on the Turffontein programme today where recent eyecatching form is not exactly an abundant commodity in the eleven strong field.
The 1800m event headlines the nine race programme on the inside track and presents something of a respite after a hectic few weeks of race action.
Judicial – big effort expected at best
The topweighted 2014 Gr2 Charity Mile winner Judicial may have at last found another race he could win after being quiet since July 2015.
The son of Miesque’s Approval loves the 1800m and finished 1,50 lengths in front of French Navy in that hotly debated Pinnacle Stakes flop last time.
The Tyrone Zackey galloper can run with the best when on song and is surely worth serious
Michael Azzie – saddles Easy Lover
Mike Azzie’s former KZN runner Easy Lover has struggled to assert himself since flying up late for second in the Gr2 Victory Moon Stakes three runs back.
The son of Right Approach enjoys running at them late off a hot pace and he has to be better than his recent form.
Diesel Jet ran just behind Judicial in the French Navy blowout at his last start and is a half kilo better off with the topweight.
He ran a cracking second to Zambezi River over shorter at his penultimate start and on best earlier form must have a chance to be in the money.
Geoff Woodruff’s 4yo pair of Shea Devon and Master Switch are both capable of improving further.
Shea Devon won two good races when running handily but failed to kick when unplaced and ridden from midfield last time.
Master Switch came good with a 4,50 length win over Shimmering Brook in an MR 85 Handicap over 200m further last time and is another capable of putting a winning effort together.
Romany Prince has drawn best of all and gets the services of Anthony Delpech.
He may have been outclassed in the Gr3 Tony Ruffel and the Gr2 Gauteng Guineas but will be more competitive in this handicap company.
Both of the son of Kahal’s two wins were achieved in good style and he is better than his form looks.
Earl Of Derby returns from a ten week break after losing his form. He may need it.
Run For Revelry was scratched with Steward’s permission from her engagement on Tuesday, while Dante’s Legacy has been scratched and Stavinsky cannot be fancied on current form.
Double Clutch – out of form
The former Paul Lafferty trained Stronghold gelding Double Clutch is now with new conditioner Dirk Devos and appears to have lost his form.
He cannot be fancied on what he has shown recently.
The race is wide open, but Judicial enjoys the 1800m and looks set to carry his weight and show that he has the heart and ability.
Romany Prince may be best of the rest, while Master Switch won well last time.
