Picture: Buffalo Storm Cody was impressive last time out. (JC Photos)
The weather has been playing havoc with Highveld racing recently, but hopefully they will race on Saturday where the nine race meeting in honour of the Henneman disaster victims at Turffontein Standside is headed by the Mythical Flight Sprint over 1100m.
Buffalo Storm Cody looked like he owned the racecourse such was the impression he made in the preliminaries last time and he then stormed home an impressive winner by 8,25 lengths in the 1200m Graduation Plate. He looks worth his 102 merit rating and he has a draw towards the favourable side, five out of seven, with Gavin Lerena up. Mount Pinatubo beat the Specialist by 1.3 lengths last time out and is now 3kg worse off, but that was back in September last year. However, he has speed and class and could get away with the layoff over this trip. The Specialist has been disappointing since relocating to the Highveld, but might hve benefited from a layoff of two months. Salenio Peninsula likely found the Gauteng Fillies Guineas too far last time and could be dangerous back at this trip off just a 95 merit rating. Bosum Buddy is a fair sort and could upset here if producing her best.
In the first leg of the Pick 6 Huehuetenango won well in the maidens and has a reasonable merit rating of 79 and is well drawn over an ideal trip of 1800m. Ombudsman is knocking on the door and should enjoy the step-up in trip being by Flower Alley out of an Elusive Quality mare. Gamer has become consistent and will relish this trip from a good draw. Storm Ahead has drawn in pole and has a place chance in this line-up. Whistledown is capable of popping up.
In the fifth, a Pinnacle Stakes event over 1600m, Thunee Playa has likely been freshened up and his class can pull him through over a trip on the sharp side. Radicchio should enjoy this trip and is in fine form but does have a tricky draw. Musical Score bounced back with a good run last time and from a good draw with Gavin Lerena up should be involved. Navajo Nation has been running in stronger fields, but back in this company should have a chance from pole position. Zuzan won well last time but does have a tricky draw.
In the sixth over 1000m Yamadori is in good form and should be involved in the finish from a nice draw of five out of seven. Cosmic Star is drawn towards the right side and has a form chance. Chyavana has plenty of ability and coming back from a rest over this trip should not pose too much of a problem.
In the eighth over 1800m Doitwithdiamonds is in fine form and this courageous sort only just failed last time but can make amends here over a suitable trip, although the draw of five out of seven is tricky. Miss Scaletta won well over 1600m last time and should enjoy this trip. Mary’s Greenlight has pole position and is the sort who needs a good draw so could be involved. Rani Of Kittur can earn if bouncing back from a disappointing run last time. Juliet Tango is capable of being involved here from a nice draw of three.
In the last race over 1800m Free In Seattle is knocking on the door and over a suitable trip from a good draw should go close.Flamnboyant Flyer is drawn in pole and with Piere Strydom up should be right there. Lapis Lazuli won a good race last time and looks to be on the up so could earn here. Key Worker is a capable sort and should be in the shake up. Wearingofthegreen is a maiden but sneaks into the handicap with the minimum weight and can’t be ignored.
In the first leg of the Bipot Aristotle and Grand Crescendo have class and should fight it out.
In the first leg of the PA Art Nouveau, Jinger Jam and City Lights should fight it out.
In the first race Littlemisssplendid could fight it out with the well bred Jingleberry.
