David Thiselton
THE five feature races at Turffontein Standside tomorrow are headed by the Grade 2 Senor Santa Stakes over 1160m in which the unexposed three-year-old Vars Vicky could continue on his winning ways.
This Stuart Pettigrew-trained gelding has a lovely action and quickened effortlessly last time when winning over 1200m on the Inside course. He still has a potentially suppressed merit rating as he has not been tried in feature class before so now carries the minimum weight of 52kg under the merit rated band conditions. He is in fact 4,5kg under sufferance with the best weighted horse but looks capable of rising above his current mark. He has a nice high draw of eleven which is the favourable side by trends. Muzi Yeni aboard is a further bonus.
Topweight Chimichuri Run has landed the worst draw by trends of number one. This did not stop him winning last time but he does have a much tougher task at the weights this time and is in fact 2kg under sufferance with the best weighted. His regular pilot Gavin Lerena has deserted him to ride the best weighted True To Life. However, Chimichuri Run’s class can overcome these obstacles and he should be right there.
Mount Pleasant looked to be something special in his early career but two unplaced runs over 1600m have dimmed his star. He has chance to revive the brightness dropping back to 1200m. A high draw will favour this big-striding individual but against him is his high merit rating of 120 meaning he has to give 6kg to his contemporary Vars Vicky.
Gallic Princess has proven herself a useful sprinter and if her pace enables her to overcome a low draw she has a shout.
True To Life has a fine record over this course and distance and is not only the best weighted but has a fair draw so should be finishing as strongly as usual.
Others capable of winning if they bring their A game are Bohica, Eden Roc, Singforafa, Golden Belle and Winter Stories.
The Listed Derby Trial could be fought out by three progressive horses Pamushana’s Pride, Invincible Warrior and Earl. Pamushana’s pride and Earl look certain to enjoy the trip and the scopey Invincible Warrior strikes as one who will stay despite there being a slight question mark on pedigree.
The Listed Ormond Ferraris Oaks Trial has attracted an uninspiring field that is not worthy of Listed status although the topweight Ideal Jet does strike as one who possesses some potential. She is the choice to beat the improving Mauby who should enjoy the step up in trip. Keeping The Peace, Traveling Wilbury and Siren Of Greece can also be considered over a suitable trip.
In the Listed Drum Star Handicap Running Brave has them all beaten on form or paper except for Green Haze although Green Haze might need it as it his first run for the Paul Peter yard and Pack Leader is preferred for the exacta. Youcanthurry Love and Divine Odyssey make most appeal of the rest.
The Gold Rush Sprint could see the light-weighted filly Celestial Love upsetting two classy speedsters Forever Mine and Valyrian King.
