Big Burn was simply held together in front for most of the journey in a Pinnacle Stakes event over 1100 at Turffontein Standside today before 4kg claimer Siyando Sosibo let her go and she cruised in by 3,25 lengths from Gallic Chief.
The Sean Tarry-trained Elusive Fort four-year-old was admittedly the best in at the weights.
Furthermore, the three scratchings included three Grade 1 winners Alesian Chief, Bohica and Master Archie.
In addition, two of the main contenders still remaining in the field, Vars Vicky and Moonshingthrough, suffered terrible starts.
The handlers were still holding the horses, who were deemed by the starter to need a hold, after the gates had started opening, although their hands do come up at about the same time the gates are fully open.
Does this not put a horse off and should the hands not come up just before the gates start opening?
Nevertheless, Vars Vicky dropped her head and did not jump, losing five lengths, but the stipendiary stewards were satisfied it was of her own accord and that she had not been impeded by the handler.
In my opinion all “hold” horses should be declared on the race card, especially over sprints, where a fast start is often imperative.
The problem therein is that some horses which have not been classified as “hold” horses before the races are sometimes deemed to need a hold on the day because of fractious behaviour in the gates.
Hong Kong never have to consider these variables, because handlers are not allowed in the stalls.
However, it is unlikely the winning position would have been effected in today’s race in any event, because Big Burn looked to still have a ton in hand at the line.
Owner Arun Chadha of the ASSM Racing Syndicate was on course to lead her in.
He spoke afterwards of how important Big Burn’s last two wins (including today) had been in order for her to get her confidence back.
She won on December 10 over 1000m, beating Grade 1 Golden Horse Sprint winner Alesian Chief, although she was receiving 6,5kg and also had 4kg claimer Sosibo on then.
The former Paul Peter-trained filly’s previous win had been back in April in the Grade 3 Sycamore Sprint over 1160m.
However, she did subsequently run a 2,25 length second to Master Archie in the Grade 1 wfa Computaform Sprint over 1000m, a 1,60 length fourth to Captain’s Ransom in the Grade 1 wfa SA Fillies Sprint over 1200m and a 1,30 length third in the Grade 1 wfa Mercury Sprint over 1200m.
The Grade 1 Computaform Sprint might be her first big goal or will it be the Grade 1 Cape Flying Championship in less than three weeks time, a tough 1000m which should suit her down to the ground, considering she enjoyed today’s easy 1100m.
On the form of her penultimate win she will be held on paper by Alesian Chief over 1000m due to the weight turnaround, although Tarry is still likely getting to the bottom of her having had her for less than half a season.
Nevertheless, the SA Fillies Sprint over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on June 3 looks likely to be her main hope for Grade 1 glory.
She will have matured since her good performance there as a three-year-old last year and should now be the perfect type for the Hollywoodbets Scottsville 1200m i.e. a horse who has a cruising speed high enough to stay in touch with the leaders coupled with the ability to kick and then stay on resolutely up the hill.
