Brett Crawford runs Gulf Storm in the Gr 1 Tsogo Sun Sprint over 1200m on Saturday.
This four-year-old Sail From Seattle gelding earned bold black type for the first time in his 19th career outing last time out when winning the Listed In Full Flight Stakes over 1100m at Scottsville, so Crawford appears justified in being stunned by the handicapper’s decision to raise him nine merit rated points. That is the equivalent of 4,5kg, meaning he will now have to carry second topweight and give two Gr 1 winners 2,5kg each.
He hoped that he would be proven wrong on Saturday. Gulf Storm appeared to relish the tough Scottsville track in that last run and Crawford said, “He is doing very well, is fresh and fit and he has a nice draw.” Crawford’s Dynasty gelding De Kock “pulled up alright” after his disappointing tailed off last finish in the Gr 2 Betting World 1900 and the yard are “running bloods to try and find anything wrong, as it wasn’t his run.” However, he added that it could have just been a case of him not staying the trip.
Meanwhile, KRA Fillies Guineas winner Alexis is on track for the Gr 1 Woolavington 2000 on Saturday week and impressive recent winner Maybe Yes is doing well ahead of the Tibouchina on her way to the Gr 1 Jonsson Workwear Garden Province Stakes.
By David Thiselton
Picture: Gulf Storm (Nkosi Hlophe)
