A big purchase price does not automatically ensure performance on the racetrack but record yearling buy Horizon has been giving out all the right signals of late.

After a poor debut there were concerns in some quarters that he may be a ‘lemon’ but he has improved with age and distance and victory in the Gr3 Politician Stakes during the Cape summer will have added immediate paddock value should he make it that far.

A seemingly below par performance in the Investec Derby when starting favourite gave fuel to the neighsayers but that could all be water under the bridge come the Gr2 Daisy Guineas at Greyville tomorrow and the R5.2 million forked out at the sales will have been money well spent.

Candice Bass-Robinson had the colt nicely prepped for his Champions Season opener where he finished with a wet sail to beat favourite and Derby runner-up Zodiac Ruler over the Greyville 1400m. Given that performance and his effort in the Politician Stakes, tomorrow’s ‘mile’ trip will be more to his liking.

Sean Tarry has a wealth of talent in his yard and Africa Rising turned in a similarly impressive performance in the Gr3 Bayerly Turk over the same course and distance, coming from mid-field to snaffle Copper Force close home and win going away.

What made that victory all the more emphatic was that the colt raced in brushing boots that had not been removed at the start – one coming off in the running.

Copper Force has smart Cape form to his credit but was nailed late by Africa Rising and on that showing could play second fiddle again.

Zodiac Ruler, winner of the Gr2 Golden Horseshoe back in July last year, was gelded after a string of disappointing efforts, his second to Edict Of Nantes in the Gr1 Investec Derby the final straw. His second to Horizon was his first after gelding so there may still be more to come.

Of the balance, Janoobi pulled up sort in the Gr1 SA Classic, fading badly over the final 100m, this after a fighting performance in the Gr2 Gauteng Guineas.

A mile appears to be his optimum trip and his chances will be enhanced by a pole position draw, always a major advantage over the Greyville 1600m on the turf.

Duncan Howells has been in cracking form of late and he has set his sights on the Gr1 Daily News 2000 and the Gr1 Vodacom Durban July for the grey Secret Captain.

Given a lengthy break after a disappointing Highveld sojourn, the colt made an eye-catching debut in a competitive sprint last time out. He is highly rated by the stable and one can expect a forward showing in what is a competitive race.

The Gr2 Daisy Fillies Guineas is an equally difficult puzzle but Gimme Six, most impressive when winning her local debut, had many of this field behind her, including Final Judgement who started favourite on the day. On that showing she should have her measure again and also that of Sail and Dawn Calling, although the latter will much prefer this trip.

A possible dark horse is Philae out of the Andre Nel yard. She was deemed good enough to be sent to Turffontein for the G1 SA Fillies Classic but trips to the Highveld by Cape-based runners has always been tricky. She was in contention 400 m out but became the meat in the sandwich in some early scrimmaging and never recovered.

Of the balance Ektifaa should have found her last outing on the short side and will much prefer this trip. She comes from a powerful yard and it will be interesting to see how the Highveld form pans out here.

The Gr2 Independent On Saturday Dill Hall Stakes is the traditional pipe-opener for the July and as such is a tricky race with many warming up for bigger things during the season. Both Marinaresco and Captain America have not been out since the Met but are top class and effective over the trip. But they may just need it while New Predator is both course and distance suited and has been on the go since January. He should strip at the top of his game. Saratoga Dancer is versatile and ran an excellent sprint last time out. He can finish in the money at decent odds.

By Andrew Harrison