A tricky fillies and mares handicap presents punters with a possible headache on the Kenilworth programme today. The R150 000 Listed Olympic Duel Stakes is named in honour of one of the greatest South African bred fillies ever to grace the local turf – and looks a tough race to unravel.
Thirteen members of the fairer sex across the age spectrum line up to contest the 1200m sprint feature and in the absence of any rain in the region, the going looks likely to be on top.
Brett Crawford – holds ace with Chevauchee
The one that catches the eye immediately is the Brett Crawford trained High Chaparral filly, Chevauchee.
The 3yo has won once from four starts and made a decent return to action after a five month break when just held by Varumba last time on 30 April.
This is her second run since relocating from Joey Ramsden and while she has been brought along patiently, she will strip fitter and appreciate the 1200m test – she is after all bred to go 2000m!
She obviously shows plenty in work as she has been backed at all her starts and could be a good bet off the 52,5kg mark.
Her stablemate Sails Set won her maiden over Saturday’s course and distance and has won her last two starts – out of a total of five since.
She takes a step up in class here but is yet another daughter of Captain Al headed in the right direction.
The lightly raced Beach Goddess (formerly with Dean Kannemeyer) is a promising daughter of Kildonan and has run two decent places since a break.
The 4yo Fear Not is a very decent sort on her day and has her second run since a throat op kept her out of action for two months.
She would have needed her last start when 5,25 lengths behind Chevauchee and may prefer another 200m to show her best.
Double Whammy – classy – one to watch
The lovely Judpot filly Double Whammy won her penultimate start in Fairview and is all class when sound and on song. Glen Kotzen knows her well and will be hoping for some give in the ground to bring out the best in his charge.
Andre Nel brings the lightly raced 5yo Lohnromance back in trip after winning her first two starts in good style. She carries only 52 kgs and gets the opportunity to show that she is better than a 73 rating.
Dixie Express could be best of Justin Snaith’s trio.
The daughter of Jay Peg was well placed to win four on the trot before running unplaced on Met day.
She could bounce back fresh.
Arcetri Pink – can run with the best
The top-class Arcetri Pink is now with Mike Bass and lumbers top weight of 62kgs. A stakes winner from 1100m to a mile, she would love some decent rain and should be watched for some improvement on her last start.
Shane Humby’s Neala has won 3 from 8 and is a versatile and progressive daughter of Jay Peg who bids to show she is worthy of bidding for some black-type.
She has won two of her last three starts and loves the course and distance.
My Emblem and Just Felicity have failed to recapture their best 2yo form and have not shown anything of late.
