Slinky Mapimpi will have to overcome a wide draw to win the Spring Spree Sakes but he has he class to still be a contender (JC Photos)
THE MEETING HAS BEEN SWITCHED TO THE VAAL CLASSSIC TRACK DUE TO SMOKE FROM A NEARBY FIRE EFFECTING TURFFONTEIN
The Listed Spring Spree Stakes over 1450m is the opening event of the Highveld Spring feature season and in Saturday’s running over the Turffontein Inside course 1200m Slinky Mapimpi is the tentative choice.
The six-year-old Coup De Grace gelding has unfortunately drawn wide. Last time out he looked well handicapped off a 97 over a 1000m and despite returning from a five month layoff he won cosily. This time he will need to use his early pace to get to the front and if he does get there without using up too much petrol he will be hard to catch. However, it will be a hard task and a more reliable choice for the PA would be the ultra consistent Quantum Theory, who is drawn two over a suitable course and distance. Quantum Theory was raised the same number of points as Slinky Mapimpi for his last win i.e, three points, but the form of that win has been franked by runner up Sheldon, who won next time out. Chyavana is drawn well and is capable of a strong finish, so he could be a big runner here for the in-form Johan Janse van Vuuren yard. Night Bomber has a tricky draw of six, but is a consistent sort and he 1,5kg better off with Chyavana for a one length beating, so there shouldn’t be anything in it. Espinoza is 1kg under sufferance, but is drawn in pole and looks to be on the up, so he could be a contender.
In the first leg of the P6 over 1450m Matroosberg has caught the eye before and the penny looks to be dropping. He should be finishing strongly in this 1450m event after being dropped out from a wide draw and he doesn’t have a lot to beat. Onceinabluemoon could be the main danger as she showed some ability in both of her starts and on pedigree should relish the step up in trip and she is drawn in pole.
In the second leg of the P6 over 1200m Winston’s Wonder has drawn in pole position and being from the Stuart Pettigrew yard he should improve from his decent debut when running 2,20 lengths back over 1160m at odds of 100/1. He should relish the step up in trip being by Danon Platina out of a Galileo mare. Ringho has some decent form in the maidens and although he is still winless after 28 runs he could earn here again if repeating his best recent form. Silver Longsword has shown ability and from a plum draw should relish this step up in trip and is also a big runner. Wall Street was not disgraced against the classy One Fine Winter on debut, but has not raced for more than five months. First-timer One Eye On Vegas is drawn well and being by Buffalo Bill Cody out of a Fastnet Rock mare he should have plenty of speed and could be a threat on debut.
In the fourth race over 1200m Inspiration faced top horses in Cape Town and was not disgraced. He does have a tough draw of eight out of eight, but he might have the class to prevail. However, Raceway is a must include as he has shown signs of good ability and the cheekpieces could help. Power Of Pearls has run two good races, but does have a tricky draw of six. Rendevous In Rio is drawn in pole and has the form to be a runner here. Chilli marmalade has shown glimpses of ability and could also earn.
In the fifth over 1450m Palace Revolt has been in fine form and although he is out of a Dominion Royale sprinter, whose two wins were both over 1000m, his sire Potala Palace could give him the necessary stamina to go close from draw two. Sea Shanty is way better than his last start at Hollywoodbets Greyville and from a good draw of three he should be able to relax with cover and then produce the strong finish he possesses. Vibe SA was a frustrating maiden ast one stage as he didn’t seem to want to win, but since the penny has dropped he has progressed well and he has to be considered. He is set to carrry 62,5kg but that will be alleviated by 4kg claimer aboard apprentice Samo-Burthia will be on a hight having ridden a treble on Thursday at the Vaal.
In the sixth race over 1200m That’s My Baby proved her class with two wins at Hollywoodbets Greyville over this trip in her last two starts. She has never placed before on the Highveld, but that was largely over trips that were further than 1200m and might have been too far for her. She is the one to beat from a good draw over this suitable trip. Poblano has shown class before and now that is it has been accepted that sprinting is her game she should be right there. Frozen Fantasy is Gr 1 placed over 1600m and is effective over this trip, so she also has to be considered here from pole position. Famous Lady won well last time out and the form has been franked, so she is also a contender. Blizzard Snow is in fine form and and this ultra consistent sort could also be a runner.
In the eighth race over 1450m Clever Trevor won well second time out and could follow up despite being given a 90 merit rating, because he should relish the step up in trip on pedigree. Chieftain’s Shield is a much improved horse who is capable of staying on well from pole position and he will be a big runner here. Dylan’s champ is also capable of a good performance and from a fair draw over a suitable trip he also has to be respected. Mighty Eagle won well last time over 1600m despite fighting for his head most of the way, so he should relish the step down and trip, but he does have a wide draw to overcome. Nazare is drawn well and and on pedigree should enjoy the step up in trip.
In the first race over 1450m Zara Dominia is the form choice and does not have a lot to beat. Comic Artist ran a fair race on debut and from pole position has a chance too. Artifact is by Horizon and is a half sister to Elizabedi Gold who won on debut.
