Picture: Royal Force has been tipped to win the Secretariat Stakes (JC Photos).
The Non-Black Type Secretariat Stakes over 1400m is the headliner at Turffontein Standside on Sunday and it could be won by the Lucky Houdalakis-trained topweight Royal Force.
This Heavenly Blue gelding has a good draw of two and Piere Strydom stays aboard after a good win aboard him last time in a Graduation Plate over this course and distance, where he beat the useful Aristotle by a comfortable 1,80 lengths, despite being 7,5kg under sufferance with him according to official merit ratings. He was raised the maximum six points for the win, but that is likely a capped merit rating as he ran to a higher mark so he can win here despite having to carry 62kg. Potberrie is turning into a useful horse despite having taken ten runs to exit the maidens and from a good draw of four over an ideal trip this Potala Palace gelding can make his presence felt. Immediate Edge disappointed in the SA Derby and although seeming to be one who needs further, he is capable of a building up a strong finish with his big stride. Those are the trio who make most appeal.
In the previous race Main Defender has been scratched leaving Truth as the one to beat. Truth has a good draw of four and has been seen before to go out fast over this trip and maintain a strong gallop all the way to the line. He will make a bold bid. Musical Score has a plum draw and is a three-year-old on the up, so he is an interesting runner. Radicchio has some class and beat the usefulo Cymric the last time he went over this course and distance, but he is considerably under sufferance with the like of Main Defender and he has a wide draw too. Savannah Storm is one who can never be ignored, despite generally finishing unplaced, because on his day he can put in top performances over this trip and he has a fair draw of six. The same can be said of Fire ‘N Flames, who is ideally distance suited. Legend Of Arthur, Atticus Finch and Purple Pitcher are all class acts who would prefer further, but their class could pull them through.
In the first leg of the Pick 6 Tamarisk Tree goes for four in a row as he does not face inspiring opposition and off his five point higher merit rating he is the joint best in at the weights under the Pinnacle Stakes conditions. He does have a tricky draw over the suitable 1800m trip but Muzi Yeni is an expert at overcoming such draws. The classy Parisian Walkway is only half-a-kilogram under sufferance and will likely make a bold bid from the front and in good weather conditions the faster ground should suit him better than when last going over course and distance in testing conditions. Navajo Nation is joint best in at the weights and this will be an easier task than usual for this highly tried individual.
In the second leg of the Pick 6 over 1600m Pretty Analia goes for a hattrick off an eight point higher mark after a comfortable win over this trip last time. However, the form has been franked and she is well drawn so she can use her strong finish to go in again. She will have to beat the boys, but did do that in her penultimate start. The Ultimate King and Coppola look to be the dangers as improving sorts.
In the eighth race, a MR 106 Handicap over 1000m, Bob’s Your Uncle is scratched and leaving stablemate Dreamland as the one to beat. He loves the course and distance, but has to carry topweight, albeit under Richard Fourie. Quantum Theory, Cosmic Star and Mount Pinatubo should make bold bids too.
In the last leg of the Pick 6 Whistle The Tune reared and missed the break last time and can make amends. Virgin River and Kia Kaha look to be the dangers.
In the first leg of the Bipot, Charming Cheetah has speed and class and can get punters through. Zalatoris made a good winning debut and can also be included.
In the first leg of the PA Soho Heartthrob made a fine debut and is drawn on the right side in this 1160m contest so should get punters through.
