Note To Self will take a power of beating in the Gr 1 Daily News 2000 (Picture: Wayne Marks)
Justin Snaith has three runners in the Gr 1 Daily News 2000, the ruling Hollywoodbets Durban July favourite Note To Self, the July entry Happy Verse and Malmesbury Missile.
He also has the favourite in the Gr 2 Lucky Fish Woolavington 2000, the dual Gr 1 winner Wish List, while the Gr 3 New Turf Carriers Western Cape Stayers winner Ahead Of The Facts runs in the Gr 3 Lonsdale Stirrup Cup over 2400m.
Jonathan Snaith said about Note To Self, a big Futura gelding with a huge stride, “He is absolutely thriving at present and will relish the step up in trip. He has improved considerably and looks a difficult horse to oppose. While the Hollywoodbets Durban July has always been his ultimate target, winning any Gr1 is what this game is all about. He was caught a little flat-footed last time out, but that was his first visit to Greyville and he raced green, appearing uneasy around the shadows over a trip far too sharp for him to show his best. With that experience now behind him and the return to a more suitable distance, one can expect his best effort. He will be a serious contender in this Gr1 classic and, if all goes well, in the Hollywoodbets Durban July. The Mitchell Family (Nancy and her father Jack) have enjoyed success in this race before with Legislate, who went on just weeks later to capture the Durban July.”
The Vercingetorix gelding Happy Verse caught the eye early in his career and, whilst he has done little wrong, it has to be said he has been a touch disappointing.
Jonathan said, “Happy Verse is a completely different horse since being gelded. He has trimmed down beautifully and is also far more settled in his work and behaviour. Although he was been derailed by Star Major twice previously, he is certainly not without a chance of reversing the form with the KZN Guineas winner. Richard Fourie has yet to ride him and he’ll be the perfect rider to get the best out of him. This will be his third run post gelding which is worth noting.”
Malmesbury Missile by Gimmethegreenlight is a half-brother to last Saturday’s impressive Gr 2 Allan Robertson Championship winner Get up. He enjoys Hollywoodbets Greyville, but both of his wins there have been over 1400m.
Jonathan said, “Malmesbury Missile steps up in trip for the first time and, although his pedigree may suggest otherwise, he could easily surprise if the race is not run at a brisk tempo.”
Note To Self jumps from draw 6 under Andrew Fortune in the 11 horse field, Happy Verse jumps from draw 9 under Richard Fourie and Malmesbury Missile jumps from draw four under Gavin Lerena.
Wish List, who is a prohibitive 5/10 for the Woolavington 2000, is ever improving and could be heading for superstardom.
Jonathan said, “Wish List could not be doing any better and continues to improve with maturity and racing. While she is only three, she is already a two-time Gr1 winner. She offers little value at 5-10, but if Andrew Fortune can secure a clear passage home, she should prove very hard to beat. She’s unbeaten over this distance, highlighted by her superb victory against the colts in the Gr1 Cape Derby. Andrew Fortune also boasts a perfect two-from-two record aboard her and reunites with her here, which can only be seen as a major positive. She has star potential about her.”
The Legislate filly jumps from draw 5 under Andrew Fortune.
