Two Gr1 winners liven up the Turffontein Tuesday Night Racing action when they line up in a competitive 1160m Pinnacle Stakes on an attractive nine-race programme this evening.
A fitness question is placed against the very fast Arabian Beat’s prospects
Even though both Arabian Beat and French Navy could find themselves starting at a disadvantage, their mere presence adds plenty of sparkle to the evening.
The very fast Black Minnaloushe 4yo Arabian Beat is best remembered for his 2015 Gr1 SA Nursery win but has not seen action for 54 weeks.
He was originally trained by Dominic Zaki, but since he gave up, the colt has transferred to noted speed conditioner Stan Ferreira – and has his first jump for him.
Something of a course and distance specialist, his regular pilot Craig Zackey is aboard again and it is accepted that sprinters can get away with running fresh.
Dual Gr1 star French Navy could be run off his feet
Multiple Gr1 winner French Navy has his first run since running a 3,90 length eleventh behind The Conglomerate in the July 23 weeks back.
The son of Count Dubois is all class but has never won below a mile and it is difficult suggesting that the 5yo will have enough toe to pace it out with this bunch over the 1160m.
The fairly consistent and versatile Will Pays gets the services of Piere Strydom and is a classy sort who will turn up fit.
The son of Imperial Stride definitely warrants inclusion in all perms and must go close.
The 6yo Captain Aldo rocketed back to a surprise form return last time out when beating Bulleting Home over 1400m. He looks held by Will Pays over this shorter trip.
French Navy’s stablemate Captain’s Causeway is a class sprinter. He returns from a 27 week rest after a fair sixth behind Talktothestars in the Gr1 Tsogo Sun Sprint.
This lightly raced son of Captain Al has won 50% of his starts and will be ridden by Tarry stable jockey, S’manga Khumalo.
It looks on the short side for 7yo Pivotal Pursuit.
Pivotal Pursuit may find this short – but was running on nicely last time
That said, he ran an excellent fourth 2,80 lengths behind Trip To Heaven in a Pinnacle Stakes over Tuesday’s course and distance, when coming on late. The master Andrew Fortune is back in the irons.
He was beaten 0,80 lengths there by Splendid Garden, who showed a flicker of his better form after a prolonged dry spell. He is a course and distance winner who could be dangerous if maintaining that improved form.
The very quick Wrecking Ball is the only filly in the race.
The 3yo daughter of Great Britain was beaten 7,10 lengths against the boys in the Golden Loom and then showed good pace against her own sex when beaten 0,75 lengths by Lady Starlett next time.
This won’t be easy for her, but she is distance suited and fit and could stretch them if she gets away.
Viking Hero has not been at his best for some time and should need the run after 17 weeks off the track. The blinkers are removed again.
Silver Scooter has been rested 12 weeks and he is also likely to need further to show his best.
Will Pays and Captain’s Causeway look the right two, but Arabian Beat is lightning fast class and could make it a big comeback.
Wrecking Ball will be the danger if she gets away.
