Andrew Harrison
VAUGHAN MARSHALL was quietly confident of a big run when Gainsford picked up a gate as first reserve for the Gr2 Post Merchants and although things didn’t quite work out as planned the gelding still ran a cracking race to finish just over a length back to top sprinter Kasimir.
He takes a drop in class when he lines up in the sixth at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today where hopefully the weather has warmed up a little.
Gainsford has taken time to come to hand in KZN but is no stranger to Scottsville having twice visited the Capital without much success, although more through bad luck than anything else.
He has a habit as a tardy starter which often costs him position. The In Full Flight Stakes was a disaster for many runners as the field bunched up towards the inside rail and those caught at the back of the scrum, like Gainsford, found themselves short of running room and their race run a furlong out.
At his most recent outings at Hollywoodbets Greyville he missed the break again but was firing at the business end. That may well be the case again on Sunday but this time the opposition is slightly weaker and he can get away with a slow start although Sean Veale will be fully aware of the task ahead.
There are some promising contemporaries in the line-up with the likes of Burning Wings, the filly Hawker Typhoon and Light That Loose not likely to go down without a fight.
Burning Wings has won four of his last six outings including a facile victory at Greyville where he did benefit from the 4kg claim of promising apprentice Kaiden Brewer. Brewer will be aboard again for Glen Kotzen and with only 52.5kg to shoulder he will be a threat in receipt of 5.5kg from Gainsford.
Hawker Typhoon was having her first run back after a three-month break when tenth over course and distance behind Mirage, but the placing did not tell the full story as she was only three lengths off the winner.
Prior to that she had reeled off two wins on the trot and in a significant jockey booking, Garth Puller has engaged Champion Jockey elect Lyle Hewitson.
Of the balance, Light That Loose, Quick Star and Good Rhythm are all in with a shout.
There is some competitive racing on the day starting in the first where visiting trainer Paul Matchett saddles his only runner on the day. Angel Of War has shown steady improvement since making his debut and was only outpaced late over 1400m. He was reported ‘blowing’ after the race so may not have been at peak fitness and with that run under his girth the extra should suit. Bristolbeaufighter has shown promise over sprints and takes a big leap in trip but his pedigree suggests that he should see it out comfortably. Illicit Kiss shows good sprint form and was not far back from a wide draw in a competitive feature last start.
The second is an open race with a number of first timers in the line-up. Of those that have run, Geronimo was friendless in the market at his second start but showed up nicely and looks capable of better. Michael Roberts holds a strong hand with four runners in the race best of which could be Seventh Song who is long overdue. He found another too good for him last start but he is hardly ever out of the money.
Trump Queen and Reginas Angel could prove the pick of the opening leg of the PA but the race is wide open. Caution is advised and the betting could prove your best guide. Alittlebitnaughty, Embarras De Riches, Three Hearts, Blanchetta and Trump Queen all warrant consideration.
In the fourth, Deputy Marshall has shown recent improvement and has shown that he stays the trip. Drawn well he should also run well. Jumeirah Gold has shown some promise on the Highveld. He goes this trip for the first time but looks capable while Coral Copy is lightly raced but has been coming along nicely at recent starts and looks primed.
The fifth is another wide open affair with some quick horses in the field. Fly The Coup was in contention for a long time behind the smart Captain Fontane last time out. This shorter trip should suit. Winter Flight comes with some useful Cape form to his name. He carried a big weight in soft going last start and can do better here. Blaze Of Silk is over his best course and distance and is better than his last effort. Kings Road gets a 4kg claimer up and has been in good form over the distance at recent outings while Sir Pom and Princekresh also have strong chances.
In the seventh, Captain Who was not too far back in his first two starts for his new stable. He met much stronger last run and with the blinkers off can notch his second win. Willow’s Wish has only had the two starts and shed his maiden second time out in easy fashion when sent over ground. He looks to have plenty of scope. Clouds Of Witness was narrowly beaten over 2400m last run but could prove better over this trip while Double Gemini has not been far back since shedding his maiden and with a 4kg claimer up carries a light weight.
Kapen Pride, Teichman and Gavel Strike look the pick of the eighth. Kapen Pride showed steady form on the poly but did even better when switched to the turf. He is well drawn here and in good form.
Princess Anastasia, blinkered for the first time, can round off the day for Dennis Drier. She was a beaten favourite last run but has come to hand of late. Silver Maria has been in the money in her last five starts and goes well this course and distance and should put in another bold bid. Gardenia and Eager Duchess are others to consider.
