All eyes on ‘Dancer’

PUBLISHED: 28 April 2017

Gavin Lerena

There exotic races at the Turffontein Inside track on Saturday are generally competitive although there are possible bankers for the brave.

In the first leg of the PA two-year-old Twice A Dancer is an impressive specimen who can build on his eye catching debut as he is a robust sort who should have come on from the run, so he looks to be a banker. Another two-year-old Pillaroftheearth made a good debut and with Gavin Lerena up from a good draw should also go close. Pretty Wendy is by Dynasty and is a half-sister to Gr 1 SA Oaks winner Pine Princess, who won her first two starts over 1200m and 1000m respectively, so she is an interesting runner. Island View found support last time over 1450m and moved up well before finding little extra, so he might have needed it and might also appreciate the step down to 1200m. Artax made a fair debut in a strong field and is well draw.

gavin lerenaThe second leg of the PA is likely to be a straight fight between Only To Win and Boudica. A-Rod has been consistent but has been racing in weak Greyville polytrack maidens.

In the third leg Front Club is three months younger than her contemporaries being Irish-bred so should be improving and on pedigree will relish the trip, being a half-sister to Gr 2 Gold Circle Oaks winner Front House. Generoso ran on well to beat Front Club last time over 1600m and is another to include alongside the consistent middle distance horse Eversilver. However, King’s Creek, Advance To Go and Musette must be considered for the Pick 6 and Jackpot.

In the next leg the well-bred Consequentially has risen through the ranks since blinkers were fitted, while Snowdonia has been acquitting herself well against stronger. For the Pick 6 and Jackpot the promising Cold Cash and the improving Russian Star can’t be ignored.

In the fifth leg of the PA Zouaves is selected to win as he produced a powerful finish from off the pace to win his maiden over course and distance and hasn’t been punished by the handicapper. However, Silver Sails is an exciting prospect and is also well drawn in his first run for the Joe Soma yard. Raasmaal, Bonnie Prince and Crazy Vision, and maybe even Tendre, have to be considered for Pick 6 and Jackpot bets too.

In the next leg the powerfully built and well bred Alileo is a banker consideration, but this is only her second start and beyond her Lumya, Easy Game, Lady Of The World, Heavy Metal and Favour’s Pride all look to have winning chances.

The last leg is tricky, but topweight Beckoning has dropped to a competitive mark and can be effective from a good draw. Ponchielli was a touch unlucky last time and so was Allora, who has dropped to an attractive merit rating. High Seas Beauty has ability but has to overcome a wide draw and Always A Lady and Queen’s Jet can also be involved.

By David Thiselton