The galloping Blarney Bay makes considerable each way appeal at 12-1 in the Itsarush.co.za Handicap at Kenilworth today.
The Mike Robinson seven-year-old is at his best over 1 400m, when his searching pace will often last to the line, but the short straight here suits his game.
“He would have won last time had the race been on the winter course,” says his trainer. “He has come on a lot since and the short run-in will help.”
The top weight is an exciting horse to watch – and to bet on – as he always gives his all and, win or lose, he always looks as if he is going to come home in front. Indeed he was four lengths clear coming to the furlong marker last time. He was eventually beaten less than two lengths into fifth, not bad considering it was his first race for four months.
Heavalon Van Der Hoven (Liesl King)
Heavelon van der Hoven, who won on him last October, again takes 2.5kg off his back and he meets Star Chestnut (second) and Spirit Of Hamilton (third) on the same terms. Star Chestnut had to be switched inside the final furlong so it is understandable that World Sports Betting has him favourite at 7-2.
Nanna’s Rock has been backed from 5-1 to 33-10 favourite for the opening juvenile fillies after her debut third against older horses and she could well prove to be the one. However the Snaith pair Harakiri (4-1) and Laikipia (a huge price at 25-1) have both shown enough to suggest they can at least go close against Paddy Kruyer’s filly.
Lord Balmoral stands out in the Place Your Bets Maiden Juvenile and MJ Byleveld’s mount has already been nibbled at from evens to 9-10. He made his debut against older horses and was only beaten three-quarters of a length by fellow newcomer Our Mate Art who ran so well in Saturday’s Cape Nursery. William The Brave (10-1) was over five lengths behind Lord Balmoral.
So often in Kenilworth maidens there are a number of possibles who could upset the applecart but not this time and 35 minutes later 18-10 shot Hero Quest also looks a good thing. Corne Orffer’s mount has a length to find with Gyre (already backed from 4-1 to 5-2) on last time’s run but it was only his second start and he ran as green as grass, having to be ridden much of the way and turning for home almost last.
Mega Secret (7-2) will again have his supporters but he is costing them a fortune and there is a line of form that puts him behind Hero Quest.
The All To Come Maiden (race four) is far more complicated but Celtic Charm appeals at 11-2. She finished in front of Baqueira two races back and again ran well last time even though the stipes report says she was hanging in. “She got checked and had to switch in,” explains Mike Stewart, adding: “She will run a good race.”
La Flambee (4-1) is an obvious danger even though she has been off for nearly three months. “She has benefitted from her break and she worked better than I expected on Saturday,” reports Adam Marcus. “She runs well fresh and has definitely got to be in with a place chance.”
Prudence Prevails has a bad draw and Sabrina Fair has not raced since January while two-year-old Arctic Green meets the three-year-olds on terms 5kg worse than weight-for-age and that is worth about four and a half lengths. All three are quoted at 9-2.
Michael Clower
