The big season is behind us as the racing programme enters the annual lull of no feature race action.
Many of our major trainers will be knuckling down to the housekeeping issues of inoculations and vaccinations.
Arabian Beat wins the Gr1 SA Nursery
But life goes on and a competitive R130 000 Pinnacle Stakes heads a nine-programme on the Turffontein standside track today. The race is also the first leg of the Jackpot.
The 1160m speed contest has only attracted a field of seven runners, including two smart fillies.
Trainer Paul Peter has just completed a season best finish of seventh on the national log, with his 88 winners earning over R9,1 million in stakes.
He saddles the classy past Gr1 winner Arabian Beat, something of a course-and-distance specialist, who has proven a touch in and out in recent times. The son of Black Minnaloushe won his penultimate start beating Just As I Said. The 6yo failed to spark last time out when finishing 9 lengths behind Trip To Heaven.
Sean Tarry – his duo have a shout in competitive race
Sean Tarry, who was ousted as SA Champion after a glorious three year run last season when beaten by over R6 million in stakes by the rampant Justin Snaith, saddles two good 5yo’s.
The topweight Africa Rising was slow away when beaten 4,55 lengths by Romany Prince in the KZN Million Mile. While this looks on the sharp side, he did beat the superfast Pera Pala over the Vaal 1200m a few runs back. He also gets 2,5kgs off his back courtesy of the progressive apprentice Luke Ferraris.
Stablemate Torre De Oro could be the right one on current form. A winner of 5 of his 19 starts, the son of Trippi is a good course and distance winner and should be right there when the whips are cracking.
Angel’s Power – capable on his day
The Mike and Adam Azzie team ended last season on a high when Will Pays won the Gr1 Mercury Sprint on Super Saturday, and they come to the party with the Miesque’s Approval gelding Angel’s Power, who improved in the blinkers last time. Not the soundest of horses, this gelding is likely to be staying on late and has place prospects in the small field.
The exciting Oratorio grey Mardi Gras has always been highly regarded and was taken down to Durban for the Daisy Guineas in May. Allowed to run very freely, he was found wanting late but only ran 3,50 lengths behind Do It Again in fifth. He won two of his first four outings on home ground with some impressive resolve, and while possibly held at the weights by Arabian Beat, could come up at best.
Nathan Klink (photo: SAJA)
Apprentice Klink takes a substantial 4kgs off the back of the Gimmethegreenlight filly, La Bella Mia. While up in class, she ran a cracker behind Procal Harum on July Day and with her featherweight, could surprise.
Stablemate to Mardi Gras and the second of the fairer sex duo in the field, Regal Graduation may struggle in this open company and could need it after an eight week break following her last start. A lightly tried two-time winner, she has a task on her hands.
Torre Del Oro looks to be improving still – he is also fit and in form. He is the choice to beat Arabian Beat and Mardi Gras – but it doesn’t end there and more could be better to ensure a safe Pick 6 transit ticket.
