In-form jockey Muzi Yeni was left looking for another Gr 1 Daily News 2000 ride when his guv’nor Duncan Howells kept Brandon Lerena aboard the yard’s chief contender, Ten Gun Salute, and he will consequently be riding the biggest outsider, the Brian Wiid-trained Bankable Teddy.

Muzi Yeni (Nkosi Hlophe)

He is also aboard an outsider in the Gr 1 Woolavington 2000, the Luis Cunha-trained Ruler Of The Sky.

Yeni said, “I can only hope Bankable Teddy reproduces his Derby Trial run, that was over this trip and maybe he didn’t stay the trip in the SA Derby.”

The Bankable colt thrashed subsequent SA Derby fourth-placed Stebbins by 4,8 lengths in the Derby Trial and will now be 0,5kg better off with the latter, so can’t be written off jumping from a good draw of four.

Yeni continued, “The trainer rates Ruler Of The Sky.”

This rangy Judpot filly is perfectly drawn in two for her front-running style and looks likely to enjoy the trip. However, she couldn’t win a fillies and mares handicap over 1600m off her 76 merit rating last time, so will require dramatic improvement.

Yeni is aboard the Howells-trained Crime Victim in the Gr 3 Lonsdale Stirrup Cup over 2400m and gave him a place chance at best.

“He needs to up his game,” he said. One of the Bezrin gelding’s best career runs was over the course and distance, when a 2,25 length third to Solid Speed in the Highland Night Cup last season and he was only receiving 1,5kg from the winner that day. He scrapes into the handicap on Saturday with the minimum weight and is drawn ten. He looks to have enjoyed a nice preparation and can’t be ignored.

By David Thiselton