Three-year-old New Predator gelding Zanthar has been tipped to win the seventh race (JC Photos)
Two MR 100 Handicaps headline the Turffontein Standside meeting on Saturday.
The second of the MR 100 Handicaps is over 1400m, race 7, and the one to beat could be Zanthar, although he will have to overcome a wide draw. The last time he went this course and distance he finished just 1,30 lengths behind Choisaanada and 0,30 lengths behind Immediate Edge, so that form looks very strong now and promising Kobeli Lihaba gets the ride as Zanthar only has to carry 53kg. Vulcanite disappointed in the Gr 2 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas and hasn’t run since, so this amounts to a six month layoff, but she is talented and she could have benefited from the layoff in terms of maturity, so she could be a player from draw six under Callan Murray. Argo Alley is course and distance suited and from a good draw could be involved as he has been given some relief lately from the handicapper. Grand Crescendo has plenty of ability and if bouncing back from a poor run at Hollywodbets Greyville last time he could be a factor. Passage Of Power has won over 1400m before and is interesting stepped up to 1600m from a good draw in the fast winter conditions.
The first of the MR 1000 Handicaps is over 1000m, race three, and Chieftan makes appeal as this three-year-old looks to be coming into his own. His first two runs off a 99 mark were not as good as his next two and he looks capable of managing a three point raise for his cosy win over course and distance last time. The draw down the Standside straight course has not had much of a bias lately, but high draws are probably still preferable and he has a nine out of nine draw now as opposed to draw two last time. Gavin Lerena has stayed aboard which is a bonus. Halbardier beat Chieftan by 1,10 lengths over 1000m on the Vaal Classic track in May and is now 1,5kg better off. However, Chieftan should have made a 1kg improvement since then, according to the weight for age scale, so that brings them closer and there is also a reversal in draw fortunes. Halbardier coud still make a bold bid though with a 4kg claimer aboard. Karate Kid’s recent form at first sight is not great but he has faced two top horses in Chocolate Soldier and Mount Pilatus and lost his jockey in the other start. He runs fresh after a four month layoff, but he could get away with it over this trip. Cosmic Star is 2,5kg better off with Chieftan for a 2,45 length beating, so should get closer. Warm Winter Nite split Halbardier and Chieftan when they last all met but he has to bounce back from a below par run last time,although he was only narrowly behind Halbardier in that race.
In the second leg of the Pick 6 over 1000m Rafa Bay won well last time and Lerena stays aboard. Dontshootthebarman enjoys this distance and if repeating his last start could be in the shake up. Espinoza has a nice high draw with a 4kg caimer up and he could be right there. Biofarmer ran a good race last time and could be involved if repeating. John Wick is 4kg better off with Rafa Bay for a 5,20 length beating and should get closer.
In the fifth race over 1800m Elembee is knocking on the door and with Piere Strydom up should make a bold bid. Art Nouveau goes for a hat-trick but does have a wide draw to overcome. Wagram was disappointing last time but with Gavin Lerena up he should be in the shake up from a good draw. Teo Torriate is in fine form although she might prefer a bit further. I Am Regal is in pole position and if repeating her last start should be in the shake up.
In the sixth race over 1800m Dimako’s Jet is ultra-consistent and from pole position should be right there over an ideal course and distance. Kisshoten is in fine form and should also be in the shake up as she should stay the trip having won over 1700m before. Accept Cookies is in good form and should stay this trip. Last Car To Pass won well last time and could follow up off a merit rating which she could still rise above, although she still has to prove she stays the trip but has a chance of doing so being by Heavenly Blue. Free In Seattle is distance suited and ultra consistent but does have a tricky draw.
In the last race over 1400m Open Highway has bounced back to form in his last two starts and looks the one to beat under Gavin Lerena. Zip Code has a wide draw but if able to overcome it he should be right there. Willow Express has pole position and with Piere Strydom up he should be running on well. Pressonregardless can be a factor if bouncing back to his best over a more suitable trip. Nyaka Nyaka looks promising but does have a tough draw to overcome.
In the first race Queensland will be hard to beat after a fine debut as the form has worked out well and Gavin Lerena is aboard.
In the second race Sistership by Rafeef is a half-sister to the top sprinter Rulership and will also be hard to beat after a fine debut.
