Ace Antonius seen winning the big bucks in 2012
The inaugural KZN Yearling Sale Million winner Ace Antonius owes his owner Ken Truter absolutely nothing. A R40 000 purchase, he looks to add to his substantial earnings at Kenilworth on Wednesday where he bumps a hard knocking field of handicappers.
The Vaughan Marshall trained son of Antonius Pius has not won since that big July day in 2013 but has run two promising sprints since his return to racing.
The Highlands Stud bred gelding has earned R748 850, thanks largely to the KZN Breeders initiative and could well add to that impressive balance sheet here.
He lines up against eight opponents in the midweek topliner, an MR 91 Handicap run over 1400m at Kenilworth and frankly looks ready for a long overdue return to winning ways.
His last run was a particularly eye catching effort as he ran on strongly behind Silver Bluff over 1200m.
The gallant Blarney Bay will be a tough customer to peg back
Gallant
This trip will be more up Ace Antonius’ alley, but he will need to get past the Mike Robinson trained Blarney Bay.
The son of Nysaean just does not know how to run a bad race and is the proven class act in the nine horse field.
He reverts to handicap company and his more specialised trip of 1400m, after having his ego dented over a mile last time when plodding late for third and a well beaten four lengths behind Ashton Park.That was in heavy going.
Regular pilot Xavier Carstens claims and it would be no surprise to see him register his seventh win.
The tussle should make for an interesting tactical duel.
Lightly Raced
Ace Antonius’ stablemate Half Moon Hotel appears to be battling, and struggled into fourth behind Aston Park last time. The son of Alado has not won in ages, but has a kilo pull with Blarney Bay, but it looks unlikely to aid his cause.
Riaan Van Reenen’s Caesour gelding Shishangeni is a lightly raced five time winning 6yo.
He came off second best in a blanket three corned finish at Kenilworth last Saturday behind Tobe’s First and comes in fit over a course and distance that he won over in July.
It is good to see Van Reenen staying loyal to jockey Craig Du Plooy, who rides him again.
Karl Neisius
Neisius Rides
The Glen Puller trained Ashaawes gelding Reim has failed to build on his explosive second behind Power King in the Winter Guineas, where he ran lengths above his handicap mark.
While it is always worth noting when Karl Neisius takes a ride for the Puller yard, it is difficult to see the 4yo picking things up after running stone last behind Ashton Park last time.
The interestingly bred Henry Of York has his second run for Darryl Hodgson since relocating from Weiho Marwing in Gauteng. He was considered promising earlier on but appears to have lost focus.
He never showed last time and found it too short over 1000m behind the promising Asstar.
The Mike Bass trained Doowaley gelding Sussex Song appears to be battling but enjoys a 3,5kg turnaround with Shishaneni for an 8 length beating at his last start. He looks unlikely.
Rested
The Dynasty gelding Global Destiny returns from a rest of 12 weeks after going head to head with Power King in the Winter Guineas and Winter Classic.
He was not up to that test and came off second best. He looks likely to need a run or two.
Justin Snaith’s Vice Admiral registered his last win on the polytrack in November last year.
He was baulked last time and then dropped feebly away to finish 4,10 lents behind Tiger Tops.
He drops back to what is probably his preferred trip but looks to have a mountain to climb.
Tactical Duel
The race looks a straight tussle between the gallant Blarney Bay and the long overdue younger Ace Antonius.
If Carstens is allowed to dictate matters on Blarney Bay then Ace Antonius could find himself chasing shadows.
