Visiting Summerveld trainer Dennis Drier won the Laisserfaire Stakes last year with the top-class Sommerlied.
The daughter of Var went on to win the Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint six months later.The KZN champion saddles Anime in the R150 000 Listed feature today.
A daughter of Count Dubois, Anime is likely to need the run but ran a fair second 7 wees ago to Double O’Éight at Greyville and has run well down this strip previously – as her 1,25 length fourth to stablemate Sommerlied in this race last year will attest.
A runner-up to Sommerlied last year, Casual Diamond ran on steadily on her seasonal debut when under a half length behind Shamrock Wind in an MR 92 Handicap at Durbanville last time. Richard Fourie rides the capable daughter of Var.
Richard Fourie – could enjoy a big day (Pic – Chase Liebenberg Photography)
Ostinato was 1,25 lengths behind Casual Diamond there and is an underrated daughter of Judpot who can turn it on when required. She looks overdue to score a stakes win.
The 5yo Var mare Straat-Kind is another capable speedster and caught the eye whe staying on powerfully behind Fours A Crowd at her last outing.
The Oratorio filly Sequined found he form to register her fourth win from 16 starts when running on steadily over the Durbanville 1250m last time. She will strip fit.
Second of the Snaith quartet, Township Melody is a kilo better off with Sequined for a 0,90 length beating last time. The daughter of Pathfork will be running at them late and must not be discounted.
Township Melody – worth including
Balance of the Snaith runners, Angel’s Trumpet and The Boston Rose are both very capable.
Angel’sTrumpet was a little outgunned at feature level last season but has matured nicely and has run two smart races as a 4yo.
The Boston Rose goes for her fourth win on the bounce but may need it after a 14 week break. She has improved since shedding her maiden – having won 4 of her last 5 starts.
Call To Account – tough task
Olympic Duel Stakes winner Call To Account was beaten 2 lengths by Freedom Charter in the Champagne Stakes and meets the Bass-Robinson flyer on 2kgs worse terms here.
Freedom Charter may not have enjoyed Durbanville last time when failing to show behind Love To Boogie. She may find this on the sharp side.
The Kotzen trio of Princess Vicky, Too Phat To Fly and Elusive Heart all return from a break and are likely to need a run or two.
Magical Wonderland – class act but big weight
The high-class Magical Wonderland makes her 4yo debut . She has not run for 24 weeks since chasing Sommerlied home in the Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint. Fitness will be a major factor and she could be pinned down by the big weight.
Her stablemate Western Angel needs to show more.
Anime and Casual Diamond look the right two – but don’t discard the improving Township Melody.
