Summerveld trainer Kumaran Naidoo gives his charge Over Sure “a shout” in the Gr 1 Tsogo Sun Gold Medallion tomorrow and this Mogok colt certainly has plenty of scope for improvement.

Over Sure showed pace on the Greyville turf over 1200m second time out, having previously beaten a weak field on debut over 1200m on the poly. He appeared to have that second start won, after having taken up the running from a wide draw. However, on a bright day, he hesitated when seeing the grandstand shadow ahead and was overtaken late by two decent types in Caddy Master and Good To Give. Trainer Michael Roberts has described Caddy Master, who beat Over Sure by one length, as “special”, and Over Sure was giving him 5kg if apprentice allowances are included.

Over Sure then ran in the Gr 3 Godolphin Barb Stakes over 1100m at Scottsville in “very soft” going and once again showed good pace. However, jumping from a high draw he was on the outside of runners and was looking at the stands the whole way. He was also tending to hang inward. He still managed to finish second and the 6,25 length margin of defeat is the closest any horse to date has got to the seemingly freakish Red Chesnut Road.

The latter’s scratching from the Gold Medallion has thrown the race wide open.

Naidoo took Over Sure to Scottsville for a preparatory gallop the other day with a new bit fitted. He said, “He didn’t hang at all, it was a very good gallop, and we are very happy with him.”

He jumps from draw four and could provide yet another milestone for the unstoppable apprentice Lyle Hewitson.

David Thiselton
Picture: Over Sure winning on debut (Nkosi Hlophe)