The sensational return to action of Gr1 winner Van Halen at Turffontein on Thursday has set the stage for a memorable week for Avontuur’s internationally proven stallion Oratorio ahead of the Grand Series at Turffontein on Saturday.
Sarabande – on the up
The Grand Series double feature heads an exciting twelve race card on the Turffontein inside track and Oratorio’s smart son Mardi Gras is all the rage to register his third win from 8 starts.
The striking Avontuur-bred grey out of Gr1 winner Sarabande has a wide draw to beat but looks the business.
“It’s been a terrific 48 hours for Oratorio. Miravar and Van Halen won at Turffontein on Thursday, Euphoric won at Greyville on Friday evening – so we are hoping and the stage is set for Mardi Gras and Regal Graduation, who runs in the Grand Heritage Consolation on Saturday,” said an elated Avontuur GM Pippa Mickleburgh.
A treble Gr1 winning champion in France and Ireland, there is no question that Oratorio has added a classic dimension to the options offered by the evergreen Avontuur superstar Var, who coincidentally heads the SA national sires logs on stakes earned.
Mardi Gras is from Oratorio’s first South African crop and has always had the ‘x-factor’, in the words of his proud breeder.
Mardi Gras the yearling
“Everybody loved him from a baby. And he has done us and his owners proud,”said Pippa who is thrilled to have had Oratorio producing the goods so early.
Pippa Mickleburgh – ‘Oratorio has exceeded expectations’
She said that there were still opportunities for an Oratorio cover and invited mare owners to call her on 083 658 4404 or email [email protected]
Twice Champion Sire in Italy, Oratorio has produced 93 stakes horses internationally and it’s common knowledge that the son of Danehill was imported with a view to producing classic horses and a Met or July winner. So his performance with early horses has been a bonus!
In only his second crop he sired the Gr1 Tsogo Sun Gold Medallion exacta and his Listed East Cape Fillies Nursery winner Carlita recently made a pleasing return to racing when romping home to an easy win over 1200m in her first start as a 3yo. The Piemonte Stud bred 3yo has now won four of just six starts
Oratorio – top class international sire
Oratorio’s current 3yo’s include 19 winners of which five are black type winners or placegetters.
So can Mardi Gras round off a terrific purple patch for Dad?
Everybody is in the same boat for a race originally carded for 29 September. Some horses will be more affected than others by the disruption – but one still has to fancy Mardi Gras.
He has his eighth career start, has run two fast-finishing seconds at his two starts this term.
Gavin Lerena feels that Mardi Gras is a top sprinter in the making but says that with a bit of luck his class will pull him through from that 11 draw over the 1475m.
Who can beat him?
Ashley Fortune’s Tsitsikamma Dance has pulled a 4 draw and gets the blinkers fitted after winning his first start for the new yard at the end of August. While the Grand Heritage was delayed a fortnight, he now runs off a seven week lapse and the connections will be hoping that he has held his game.
Mike de Kock topweight Mujallad stayed on well behind the very progressive Chimichuri Run last time out and must have a chance of challenging if reproducing that kind of run – but he has drawn wide.
Mujallad carries top weight
Zouaves is the only Geoff Woodruff runner in the field and the 5yo has maintained a distinquished line of form over an extended period of time. He ran Equus Champion Will Pays to a neck at his penultimate start in receipt of 4kgs and can up his game further to challenge.
London Secret is one of the Sean Tarry trio and, while carrying a handy galloping weight of 52kgs, she looks to need to improve on her recent form to have a shout.
The same applies to the Gokhan Terzi-trained Daffiq who has had two troubled outings at his last two jumps. He was not persevered with when beaten 6 lengths by Tsitsikamma Dance and then was lame on the near -fore after a fair effort behind Pietro Mascagni last time.
Lucky Houdalakis’ Huyssteen has performed well at the Vaal and enjoys a nominal 1,5kg swing at the weights with Full Of Attitude for a six length beating last time.
Joey Soma – Full Of Attitude
The big race combination of Muzi Yeni and Joey Soma team up with Greys Inn gelding Full Of Attitude, a consistent 4yo who could chase quartet honours. A winner of 3 of his 14 starts, he would have an undeniable money chance on best form from the 1 draw.
The 2016 Grand Heritage winner Irish Pride is now a 6yo and has not won for some time. The son of Ideal World is known to be a touch in-and-out though and could surprise if in the mood.
It should be a terrific race!
