Moonsong Magic – chance to get back to winning ways
The R150 000 Listed Winter Oaks at Kenilworth today presents the platform for a mouthwatering three cornered return match for a trio of smart 3yo fillies. The Stormsvlei Mile thriller saw the top three finishing under a length of each other and with 600m further to travel, this should be a different ball game.
The top four fillies stand out head and shoulders above the rest, but there are a few well-bred staying potentials in the lesser exposed ranks and the chances of a possibility are on the cards.
Going Places
Crystal Cavern beats Elusive Stars and Moonsong Magic in the Stormsvlei
Adam Marcus-trained Crystal Cavern is a half-sister to the stakes performed Priceless Jewel and the daughter of Horse Chestnut looks to be going places as she bids for her fifth win.
She was relatively unfancied in the Stormsvlei, but came storming home late to catch and beat Elusive Stars and the luckless Moonsong Magic.
S’manga Khumalo rode a cracker on Crystal Cavern and he is replaced by the very capable Sean Cormack on Saturday.
Ronnie Sheehan’s small string has been in good form lately and his Elusive Fort filly Elusive Stars was beaten a half length, when looking a winner inside the distance.
From the best of the draw and with Aldo Domeyer in the irons again, she represents a massive threat.
Her dam Lingfield (a daughter of Special Preview) only won up to 1400m, but Elusive Stars has plenty of stamina on her Dad’s side and is a relaxed sensible galloper, who uses herself beautifully.
Frustrating
Greg Ennion has watched his Windrush filly Moonsong Magic running on late for place money in both legs of the 2015 Winter Series for the girls.
A winner of 3 of her first six starts, Moonsong Magic will be ridden by Bernard Fayd’herbe and could enjoy his sit and swoop style.
Brandon Morgenrood- rides Harvard Crimson for the Snaiths
Justin Snaith has two in the race, including the joint topweight Cat And The Moon, who disappointed in the Stormsvlei.
Her last win was achieved in PE, but there is little question that Cat And The could be the joker in the pack over the extra ground, with Richard Fourie in the saddle.
Her beautifully bred stablemate Harvard Crimson has drawn very wide and will be closely monitored for consistency after her shock last win over Sapphire Gem.
Being out of a Badger Land mare, she could be another surprise package at this dramatic step up in trip. Brandon Morgenrood is given the chance again.
Tough
It looks very difficult for the rest.
Greg Cheyne – Rides Asram
Greg Cheyne has been replaced on Moonsong Magic and rides the Tiger Ridge filly Ashram, for Glen Kotzen.
She has won twice in eight starts but is held by Harvard Crimson on her last jump when staying on for third. Being out of an Elliodor mare, she could adapt to this stamina test and looks a decent quartet kicker.
Kotzen also saddles the ill-fated Big City Life’s half sister by Dynasty, Dungeon Dragon.
She is another who should enjoy the trip but was well beaten by Sassy Sal last time.
Poor Effort
Vaughan Marshall – saddles Sassy Sal
The Vaughan Marshall trained Sassy Sal followed up her two wins with a poor effort last time. She may be worth another chance but looks outclassed by the top three.
Lady Ming was beaten 2,45 lengths by Crystal Cavern in the Stormsvlei and seldom runs a bad race.
Her breeding suggests she could enjoy this – and the fact that Karl Neisius sticks with her maybe worth a second thought.
Mike Bass saddles a coupling of the lightly raced Lady Of The Rocks and the formless Lucky Tuesday.
Lady Of The Rocks has failed at her only start at ground but did run on nicely behind Three Blue Cranes last time out.
If things go according to plan, then the Stormsvlei top three look likely to slug it out – with Cat And The Moon a must include on best form.
