Category Archives: Drill Hall

Black Arthur new July favourite

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Black Arthur and stable companion Bela-Bela had bookmakers scrambling to change their odds display for the Vodacom Durban July after Justin Snaith’s charges turned in superb performances in the Gr2 Canon Guineas and G2 Daisy Fillies Guineas, and Friday evening at Greyville could prove a defining meeting in Africa’s Champion Season. All three features provided plenty of fodder for the formbook and any intrepid punters sitting with 12-1 about Black Arthur and 45-1 about Bela-Bela, may not be in the league of those who got the 5000-1 about Leicester City, but are entitled to be smug.

After stunning displays in the two Classics, Black Arthur displaced Legal Eagle (4-1) as anti-post favourite for the July – 3-1 on some boards but 7-2 still available – while Bela-Bela is now 14-1. Of Black Arthur Delpech said, “He’s the type of horse I would like to ride in the July,” the four-time July winning jockey confirming what all had just witnessed.

Black Arthur, home-bred by Alec and Gillian Foster, was beaten favourite in the Investec Derby at the end of the Cape summer but arrived in KZN with a mighty reputation. Delpech has the pick of the Snaith rides for the Western Cape Champion trainer during his KZN campaign and it took a single gallop for Delpech to decide between Baritone, Derby winner It’s My Turn and Black Arthur.

Seemingly out-paced from the gate as Sylvester The Cat set a suicidal gallop in overcoming his wide draw, Delpech slotted him in on the rail behind a charging pack. “I thought it might be a touch short for him but they went very, very fast which was in his favour,” Delpech confirmed.

Black Arthur led in by Justin Snaith with Anthony Delpech up - Nkosi Hlophe

Black Arthur led in by Justin Snaith with Anthony Delpech up – Nkosi Hlophe

Aimed for home, Delpech threaded his mount through the traffic and once in space the son of Silvano sailed through to win as he liked in spite of the winning margin being less than a length.

Race favourite Rabada settled in behind Sylvester The Cat and looked destine to keep his clean sheet at Greyville in tact before Black Arthur mowed him down with the line in sight while third and fourth placed Mambo Mime and Ten Gun Salute also had their July odds trimmed after promising performances.

All four look destined to meet in the Daily News 2000 that at this stage is brewing into one of the races of the season.

If Delpech needed a dress rehearsal for Black Arthur he got it in on the grey Bela-Bela who turned in a similar display of galloping in the Daisy Fillies Guineas to give trainer and jockey a Classic double. Nearer last than first turning for home, Delpech also had to pick his way through traffic before accelerating away to win in commanding fashion. It was a display out of the top draw.

“I rode two very good horses tonight,” was Delpech’s parting shot.

Race favourite Silver Mountain never got going and it was left to stable companion Nightingale to carry the stable flag although Bela-Bela went past her like she was looking for parking.

Johan Janse van Vuuren commented before the race that Negroamaro was off her best form but it was not by far. “I think she’s still a bit soft. We skipped the Oaks to go for the Woolavington.” The grey was in contention half a furlong out but was run down by Bela-Bela and Nightingale.

But if Negroamara was underdone, Van Vuuren’s New Predator was “gaar” as they say in Afrikaans. The three-year-old blew away his rivals in the Gr2 Independent On Saturday Drill Hall Stakes in a display that will have sent a chilled down Sean Tarry’s spine if indeed Legal Eagle has the Gr1 Rising Sun Gold Challenge on his agenda.

New Predator

New Predator

Although beaten four lengths by Legal Eagle in the Gr1 HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes, New Predator was given a puzzling ride that afternoon as he was sent for home nearly 800m out, but he did show an exceptional turn of foot albeit off a slow pace.

The Greyville ‘mile’ with its short straight is right up New Predator’s alley and the switch in course could extend Tarry’s champion a tad more.

Disappointment was race favourite Legislate but Snaith was quick with an explanation. “Legislate didn’t saddle well. He walked around the ring with his head down and I know we were in trouble. But what can you do.”

Snaith will no doubt have the puzzled solved by this morning and have Legislate back on track to defend his Gold Challenge crown.

Triptique ran a cracker in second in his first venture beyond 1200m and could now be a candidate for the Gold Challenge while Ice Machine ran his usual game race, coming from last to third.

By Andrew Harrison

Betting on the R4,25 million Vodacom Durban July to be run over 2200m at Greyville on Saturday, July 2:

7-2 Black Arthur, 4-1 Legal Eagle, 11-2 Abashiri, 14-1 French Navy, Bela-Bela, The Conglomerate, 16-1 Brazuca, New Predator, 20-1 Rabada, Nightingale, 22-1 Mac De Lago, 25-1 Samurai Blade, Marinaresco, 33-1 Silver Mountain, Master Sabina, Deo Juvente, It’s My Turn, 40-1 Negroamaro, 50-1 Baritone, 55-1 Trophy Wife, 66-1 Inara, Dynastic Power, Ten Gun Salute, Mambo Mime, Saratoga Dancer, 7-1 Paterfamilias, 80-1 Olma, Prospect Strike, Punta Arenas, Romany Prince, Cape Speed, Master Switch, 100-1 and upwards others.

Baritone (Nkosi Hlophe)

Baritone to step up

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Rabada (Nkosi Hlophe)

Rabada (Nkosi Hlophe)

The SA Champions Season kicks off with three Gr 2s at Greyville tonight and Justin Snaith should go close to landing a feature race treble.

In the Canon Guineas Baritone has to overcome a tricky draw. However, he looks to be an ever improving sort and should have come on from his Byerley Turk run, where he ran on strongly and only just failed. He came from a wide draw that night and was carrying 4kg more than the winner Mambo Mime. He should appreciate the 200m step up in trip.

His stable companion Black Arthur is highly regarded and the form of his Gr 3 Cartier Politician Stakes win has worked out well. Before that he beat Mambo Mime by 0,5 lengths over 1600m and the latter is now 5kg better off with him. This puts Baritone’s Byerley Turk effort into a good light on strict formlines. Mambo Mime is learning all the time and improving so could earn a cheque.

Rabada won a Gr 1 over course and distance as a two-year-old and has come on in leaps and bounds from his recent

victorious comeback from injury. His SA Triple Crown-winning yard is on a high and he is a big runner, despite a wide draw.

Prospect Strike finished just 0,75 lengths behind Rabada in the aforementioned Gr 1 and is coming off a 1,2 length defeat by the latter over 1400m. He should now be cherry ripe and will relish the step up to this trip. The downside is the very wide draw.

Muwaary was disappointing in the Gr 1 SA Classic, but the maestro trainer Mike de Kock is likely to have got to the bottom of it and this classy sort could bounce back.

Redcarpet Captain has had excuses for his last couple of starts, including over racing, and from a good draw with the blinkers off he could use his telling turn of foot from off the pace to run a good race.

It’s My Turn won the Investec Cape Derby in good style and should be staying on after being dropped out from a wide draw.

Exit Here’s last run can be ignored, as he hated the sloppy conditions on the poly after a torrential downpour, and he will relish the step up to 1600m from the 1400m of the Million Dollar where he ran a fine fifth considering the slow pace didn’t suit him.

Sylvester The Cat and Ten Gun Salute both have plenty of class and it would be no surprise to see them involved in the finish, although the former has a tough draw.

It's My Turn (Liesl King)

It’s My Turn (Liesl King)

Victorious Jay is better than his last start and could bounce back.

Malak Al Moolook could earn if repeating his Gauteng Guineas third place.

Royal Armour has to prove he is as good on turf as he is on the poly.

The selection is Baritone to beat Rabada and Black Arthur, with Mambo Mime and Redcarpet Captain next best.

The Daisy Guineas sees a much anticipated clash between Silver Mountain and Bela-Bela, who are both packed with class. Silver Mountain should be perfectly suited to Greyville with her zippiness and fine turn of foot.  Bela-Bela is much better than her Cape Fillies Guineas run, when well beaten by Silver Mountain. Her subsequent Paddock Stakes third proved how good she is and the best has probably not been seen of her yet, so a victory over Silver Mountain would not be a great surprise. Trainer Neil Bruss is bullish about the chances of Flying Ice, who will relish the step up in trip and who has been unlucky in her last two starts when finishing second in both. The Bella Sonata yard believe she is better than her form suggests and she has enjoyed a fine preparation. Shatoosh has a long stride and a fine turn of foot. She could be the dark horse. Intergalactic has a chance on her Empress Club Stakes run when a 1,4 length third to Inara. Fromafar raced wide when winning a feature here over 1400m last time, so can’t be written off.  Nightingale and Negroamara both have class but would both prefer a touch further. Alexa has a good draw for a change and is an interesting runner as one who made up a lot of ground from hopeless positions in the Gauteng Guineas and SA Fillies Classic. Our Destiny over raced with blinkers on and they are now off so she could earn if repeating her Cape Fillies Guineas runner up finish. Taffety Tart and Lala have the ability to earn but have tough draws. Killer Woman looks to have some class but will have to put her last poor run behind her.

The selection is Silver Mountain to beat Bela-Bela and Flying Ice with Shatoosh and Bella Sonata next best.

Ice Machine (Nkosi Hlophe)

Ice Machine (Nkosi Hlophe)

The IOS Drill Hall Stakes could be won by Ice Machine if things pan out right for him.

There does not look to be much hope of the good pace he will prefer and Legislate could in that case dictate from the front.

However,  Ice Machine is still tipped to fly up and touch off Legislate, with Night Trip, who seems to love Greyville, staying on for third. The dark horses are Saratoga Dancer, who has plenty of class and the best has not yet been of him, and Triptique, who has been doing very well but there is a question mark over the trip. New Predator also has to be given a lot of respect on his best form.

By David Thiselton

Picture: Baritone (Nkosi Hlophe)

Ice Machine (Nkosi Hlophe)

Ice Machine in a good place

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The Charles Laird-trained Ice Machine is a “happy horse” ahead of the defense of his Gr 2 IOS Drill Hall Stakes crown, which is to be run over 1400m at Greyville tomorrow night.

Ice Machine (Nkosi Hlophe)

Ice Machine (Nkosi Hlophe)

He will have to defeat the like of former Equus Horse Of The Year Legislate, but Laird’s assistant trainer Lorenzo Kariem said the brilliant Silvano gelding was in just as good a space as last year, when winning in impressive style by three lengths.

Kariem said, “In the Horse Chestnut he missed the break and they then cantered – he needs a good pace. He’s doing well but you do need luck in this race.”

Justin Snaith said about Legislate, “It is his first run back and he might need it a little, but he is doing well and is a good horse.”

Robert Fayd’Herbe said Night Trip seemed to love a right hand turn and if repeating his KZN form of last season could be in the money.

Sean Tarry said the evergreen Gold Onyx would be using the race as a preparation event.

Dennis Drier said, “Triptique is very, very well. It will be interesting to see whether he goes the 1400m trip and if he does he could be in the money. Punta Arenas has had a lovely little break on the farm and will need the run.”

The balance of the field is made up of classy horses like The Conglomerate, Saratoga Dancer and New Predator, as well as the two likely outsiders Diamond King and Mister Matchett.

By David Thiselton

Legislate (Liesl King)

Legislate tops the boards

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Legislate has been installed 14-10 favourite for tomorrow night’s Independent On Saturday Drill Hall Stakes despite this being his first run since finishing sixth in the J & B Met.

World Sports Betting makes Horse Chestnut third New Predator second favourite at 2-1 with last year’s winner Ice Machine next on 11-2.

Silver Mountain will be ridden by Bernard Fayd’Herbe for the first time in the Daisy Fillies Guineas (Aldo Domeyer was on her in all her previous seven starts) and is 12-10 favourite. The Cape Fillies Guineas winner’s stable companion Nightingale, who is on a four-timer, is a 12-1 chance.

Paddock Stakes third Bela-Bela is second favourite at 4-1, half a point ahead of the SA Fillies Classic runner-up Negroamaro.

In the Canon Guineas it’s the Mike Azzie-trained Rabada who heads the market at 22-10 with Justin Snaith’s Politician scorer Black Arthur 9-2 second favourite and Prospect Strike next at 11-2. Cape Derby winner It’s My Turn is a 7-1 chance.

By Michael Clower

Picture: Legislate (Liesl King)

legislate closeup lk site

Legislate’s last two races

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Anthony Delpech has landed the plum ride on Legislate in the Independent On Saturday Drill Hall Stakes at Greyville on May 6.

The former champion will also be on the five-year-old when the 2014 Vodacom Durban July winner runs in the Rising Sun Gold Challenge on the same course five weeks later. These two races are the only chances that racegoers will have to see the horse before he is retired to stud.

Anthony Delpech (Nkosi Hlophe)

Anthony Delpech (Nkosi Hlophe)

Jonathan Snaith said yesterday: “He is having only two runs in Durban and he won’t even be nominated for the July. His preparation for the Drill Hall has gone smoothly but it will be his first race since the J & B Met and we are not expecting fireworks. The Gold Challenge is his main mission.”

Only four jockeys have ridden Legislate in public. Girish Goomany had the mount first time and  Muzi Yeni also rode him just once before Richard Fourie took over for 14 consecutive races, winning the Cape Derby, KRA Guineas, Daily News, July, Green Point and Gold Challenge. Piere Strydom rode him in the Queen’s Plate (second) and Met (sixth).

Michael Clower

Legislate – Liesl King

legislate closeup lk of

Legislate tops Drill Hall entries

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Former Vodacom Durban July winner Legislate’s name was notable by its absence from the list of 65 first entries for this season’s event, however there is still a lot of water to flow into the sea with over two months to go before the big race. However, last season’s Gr 1 Rising Sun Gold Challenge winner’s name was at the top of the list of entries for the Gr 2 Independent On Saturday Drill Hall Stakes to be run at Greyville Racecourse on Friday, May 6. This meeting will mark the official start of South Africa’s three-month Champions Season.

Legislate, second in the Gr1 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate behind Legal Eagle back in January, has not been out since finishing six lengths adrift of Smart Call in the J&B Met.

Legislate (Liesl King)

Legislate (Liesl King)

Justin Snaith’s entire is the highest rated of the 24 entries for the Drill Hall, five points superior to top ‘miler’ Act Of War who did not race in KZN last winter. Also among the nominations is veteran Ice Machine who will be out to defend his title.

With Abishiri’s sights on the SA Derby and third leg of the Triple Crown on Saturday week, Mike Azzie will be looking to Rabada to do duty for the stable in the Gr2 Canon Guineas to be run on the same day.

The son of Brave Tin Soldier has been relatively lightly raced but after a trip to Cape Town when all did not go well, he made a winning return at Turffontein last Saturday and should strip primed for the Guineas should Azzie let him take his place in the field.

Other notable entries are New Predator, Prospect Strike, Baritone, Investec Cape Derby winner It’s My Turn and the Michael Roberts-trained Natal, who now appears to be looking for more ground.

The Mike Bass-trained Silver Mountain, winner of the G1 World Sports Betting Fillies Guineas and beaten less than a length into fourth place in the Gr1 Grand Parade Guineas behind Noah From Goa, heads the list of nominations for the G2 Daisy Fillies Guineas. The diminutive daughter of Silvano rounded off her Western Cape season with a close-up second in the CTS Million Dollar behind the side-lined Illuminator.

Also nominated are the highly regarded Bela-Bela, Gr2 Gauteng Fillies Guineas winner Heaps Of Fun and runner-up Negroamaro.

By Andrew Harrison

ENTRIES Drill Hall

ENTRIES Daisy fillies guineas

ENTRIES canon guineas

One step at a time with Legislate

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Champion trainer Justin Snaith has declared Legislate a doubtful starter for this year’s Vodacom Durban July, but added that the Equus Horse Of The Year and reigning July champion had emerged from a starting stall incident at Greyville on Saturday sound and that “there is nothing wrong with him”.

He said that the incident had led to a lot being taken out of the superstar Dynasty colt and that as a consequence his Champions Season program might have to be curtailed. However, he added that Legislate would “definitely” line up for the Gr 1 Rising Sun Gold Challenge on June 6 and that the rest of his program would still depend on the outcome of a discussion with the owners.

Snaith was angered by a couple of decisions made by officials at Greyville on Saturday that he believed had affected his prized horse, who was a shock late scratching in the Gr 2 Drill Hall Stakes over 1400m.

However, both the Chief Starter Paul Hepworth and Chief Stipendiary Steward Sean Parker defended the decisions that were made.

Legislate kicked out after being loaded and his near hind foot became stuck for a few seconds between the gates. He managed to free the foot before a handler coming to the rescue could reach him.

Snaith said that the course veterinarian’s decision to scratch the horse had been “100% correct.”

However, Snaith’s first gripe was that Legislate had been loaded ahead of three other horses, despite being known to kick in the pens. He also pointed out that a lot of money had been riding on him and that the public had been looking forward to seeing him run. He contrasted it to the handling of Act Of War, who was the hot favourite for the Winter Guineas in Cape Town the following day and had duly been loaded last.

Hepworth responded by saying that Legislate had come from Cape Town graded as a “kick in the pens.”. He pointed out that the loading sheet had clearly stated that Legislate would be loaded before three horses with more serious gradings. Therefore trainers and jockeys had been given ample opportunity to “come and have a chat”. Jockey Richard Fourie did in fact speak to Hepworth’s assistant at the start on Saturday and appeared to have been happy with the latter’s response, which included a reminder that Legislate had been in the same place in the loading order for last year’s July. Furthermore, Hepworth confirmed that he had now changed Legislate’s grading to reflect his antics on Saturday.

Snaith’s second gripe was that as a stallion who had been anticipating a race, it had been a poor decision to lead Legislate back to the parade ring on the same way around the circuit as the race and hence past the main grandstand.

Parker responded by saying that the horse was led in that direction in his best interests because a set of starting stalls and the machinery that is used to haul them had been on the turf track at the 1600m mark in anticipation of the next race, which was over 1900m on the polytrack. Going the other way he would also have had to cross the road near the Royal Durban entrance, which could potentially be used by cars between races.

By David Thiselton

Picture: Legislate (Liesl King)

 

 

ice machine john lewis

The Meaker’s go home proud

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Roy and Gladys Meaker are two of the most loyal supporters of KZN racing and their stalwart Silvano gelding Ice Machine gave them a deserved big win on home soil when winning the Gr 2 Drill Hall Stakes over 1400m, a race he had finished second in two seasons ago behind the brilliant Beach Beauty.

Charles Laird, the third trainer to have worked with the problematic gelding, has done a fine job in bringing him back from a long layoff and this was just his second start for the yard.

Previous trainer Dean Kannemeyer also delivered a Gr 2 victory the second time he sent Ice Machine out and his win on that occasion in the Gr 2 Green Point Stakes over 1600m, beating champions like Beach Beauty and Capetown Noir, showed his true potential.

Ice Machine had virtually been forgotten when reappearing at Scottsville after a nine month break just over a month ago, but the rest and recuperation he had been given by Laird had done the trick and he ran an eye-catching second to his useful former stablemate Power King.

Ice Machine looked to have a huge chance on Saturday after the shock scratching of Legislate as he runs well fresh and the Greyville 1400m is tailor made for him because of his electric turn of foot.

The Meakers, who owned the 1977 J&B Met winner Bahadur, have been patient with Ice Machine and it paid dividends on Saturday. However, Laird’s post-race comment that he hoped the gelding would pull up sound speaks volumes of how difficult a horse he is to train and his future can’t be planned too far in advance.

– By David Thiselton

Picture: Ice Machine (John Lewis)

Ice-Machine (Nkosi Hlophe)

Ice Machine turns on the style

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Ice Machine, a gelding with tons of ability but plagued throughout his career by soundness problems, earned a well deserved victory in The Gr 2 Independent On Saturday Drill Hall Stakes at Greyville today.

“It was a tremendous training feat by Charles (Laird) keeping him sound. He was floating today,” said his pilot Anton Marcus. “He’s a very special horse and at WFA over eight furlongs he can go with the best of them.”

Ice Machine certainly proved it yesterday as he showed a tremendous turn of foot to outgun Bouclette Top and Ashton Park although his cause was helped by the late scratching of favourite Legislate.

The long awaited return to the track of last season’s Equus Champion was put on further hold after getting a hind leg caught up in the back gate as he lashed out after being loaded. Course vet Roehann Sutherland said Legislate has suffered a few minor abrasions but appeared a “little ginger” on the leg so was taking no chances. “Fortunately he was quite sensible and did not struggle in the gate.  It was possibly just a bit of a ‘lamey’ but only tomorrow will tell.”

Ice Machine has been through a number of yards but after last season owners Roy and Gladys Meaker decided on complete rest.  “He had an absolute break,” said Laird and please God he pulls up sound tomorrow. The Gold Challenge is a possibility but we will take it one race at a time.”

A feature of the day’s racing on the turf track were the solid early fractions and Chekilli barreled out of gate 12 to set a strong pace leaving Ice Machine and Ashton Park towards the back of the field along with the fancied King Of Pain.

Bouclette Top was the first to challenge his stable companion and looked a likely winner but Ice Machine unwound a sustained finish up the outside of the field to win going away. Ashton Park was also doing his best work late to run into the money.

King Of Pain failed to quicken and never troubled the commentator.

By Andrew Harrison

Picture: The Conglomerate wins the 2015 Independent On Saturday Drill Hall Stakes (Nkosi Hlophe)

one fine day nh

It should be One Fine Day

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The Champions Season’s opening meeting at Greyville tomorrow sees some of the country’s best horses clashing in three much anticipated Gr 2 races.

The current three-year-old fillies crop is possibly the best ever seen in this country, and the KRA Fillies Guineas looks to be the most exciting of the three races. The dual Gr 1-winner Inara will clash with two potentially brilliant milers in One Fine Day and Alexis, while the tough Trophy Wife and the promising Ataab will give an inkling of how strong the Johannesburg three-year-old classic form is.

One Fine Day quickened effortlessly in her last start over 1400m at Greyville and won with a bit in hand. She finished an excellent second against the boys over 1400m in last season’s Gr 1 Golden Horseshoe so clearly enjoys this track. This Trippi filly has struck as one that will get the 1600m. Her exceptional turn of foot will mean she can afford to be dropped out from her tricky draw, especially considering her stablemate Ataab looks capable of ensuring a good gallop.

Alexis switched inward and then outward again before finishing strongly in the 1400m race at Greyville won by One Fine Day. She is now 2kg better off for a 1,75 length beating and, furthermore, she needed that last run. This Dynasty filly has speed but also plenty of gears over shorter so should stay the trip. Her pedigree also suggests she will get the trip. She put in eyecatching work at Summerveld on Tuesday and has clearly come on a lot from that last run.

Inara finished runner up to Majmu in the best form race of the season, the Gr 1 Avontuur Estate Cape Fillies Guineas, and followed up by winning both the Gr 1 Maine Chance Paddock Stakes over 1800m and the Gr 1 Klawervlei Majorca Stakes over 1600m. She was given a deserved break after that but the yard said that this Trippi filly, who apparently shows nothing at home, would be “quite fit” and considering her form that would be enough to put her in with a big shout.

Trophy Wife is ever improving but at this level she might prefer a galloping track like Turffontein. She has had a grueling campaign but is tough.

Silver Class stayed on well to finish just a length behind One Fine Day over 1400m at Greyville last time out but the latter appeared to have a bit in hand. She could earn.

Real Princess is held in good regard and could still be anything.

Cathy Specific is a nice type capable of running on strongly and will have come on from her last start, but is in the deep end here.

Zante has Cathy Specific held on formlines but would prefer further.

Sensible Lover looks held by Trophy Wife and Ataab looks held by Inara. However, Ataab could play a valuable role as pacemaker.

Just Lucky looks outclassed here.

The selection is One Fine Day to beat Alexis with Inara, Real Princess and Trophy Wife next best.

The KRA Guineas is an intriguing affair, but the classy Heartland has gears which makes him suited to Greyville and he should now be coming into his own. However, his draw is a concern and so the surprise choice to beat him is Light The Lights. The best hasn’t been seen of this well regarded sort and from a good draw he could make amends for his last start over 1400m at Greyville when caught wide pulling for his head but still managing to stay on. He has come on from that run and has been working well.

Ultimate Dollar has an impressive stride and although the Daily News 2000 might be more down his alley he is well drawn here so should turn for home handy and he will build up more and more momentum down the straight so is tipped for third.

Anjaal finished a narrow third in a two-year-old Gr 1 over course and distance and looks to have turned the corner again after going off form, so he should be involved from a good draw.

Jayyed narrowly beat Anjaal in the aforementioned Gr 1, but has had to have a breathing operation and this is only his second run since.

Kingvoldt is 3kg better off with Heartland for a 0,75 length beating over 1400m at this course so must have a shout, although he does have a tricky draw.

Forest Fox is a talented sort and the yard now know that he needs to be left alone in the early stages before running on.

The Conglomerate is a progressive sort but might need the run and will prefer the distances of the Daily News and July.

Easy Lover ran on well over 1400m after being slow away last time and is now 2kg better off with Heartland for a 1,75 length beating. He has a wide draw so might have to come from near the back again.

Amazing Strike should be coming into his own but made a breathing noise last time and is widely drawn.

The selection is Light The Lights to beat Heartland with Ultimate Dollar, Anjaal and Kingvoldt next best.

Legislate runs very well fresh and the Gr 2 Independent On Saturday Drill Hall Stakes over 1400m will tell whether he is the same horse after his L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate failure, subsequent to which he was found to have had a serious lung infection. He should win if that incident caused no long term effect. King Of Pain is the other class horse in the race and a wide draw and having his second run after a rest shouldn’t stop him from going close. Ashton Park, Night Trip and Ze Kaiser are all effective over this trip and are tipped to follow the two big guns home.

–     By David Thiselton

Picture: One Fine Day (Nkosi Hlophe)