Gr 2 winner Cosmic Speed reappears on Saturday at Turffontein in the third and although not fully wound up he might be too good for them. (JC Photos).
The Turffontein Standside meeting on Saturday is headlined by a Graduation Plate over 1160m and a MR 96 Handicap over 1600m.
In the Graduation Plate Cosmic Speed is well treated at the weights, but returns from a four month layoff. Trainer Sean Tarry said he would not be fully wound up but felt he could still win and pointed to his good sprint form, which includes a narrow second in the Gr 1 Gold Medallion. He is drawn on the wrong side in barrier position two but in a small field that should not make too much difference, especially with Piere Strydom aboard. Cymric also has class and will be race fit having already had two runs this season, but he is officially 7,5kg under sufferance with Cosmic Speed and the latter also has the advantage of a 1,5kg claimer up. Rondebosch has ability and scope for further improvement so could be right there too.
In the MR 96 Handicap over 1600m Whafeef looks the one to beat despite a wide draw. Last time out he finished just two lengths behind Rule By Force over 1800m with the rest of the field beaten by a further 3,25 lengths and more. Rule By Force went on to frank the form by finihing third in the Betway Summer Cup. Quatermain ran a good second over 1700m last time and a repeat of that performance could see him go close. Command Pilot makes most appeal of the rest as he is 2kg better off with Whafeef for a four length beating.
In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1800m Ichacha has a fair draw of five out of nine and this hard knocking sort should go close. Serrano is knocking hard too and should get the extra trip. Santiago’s Pride did well in first time blinkers over 2000m and should be right there from a good draw and with regular rider Kaidan Brewer keeping the ride.
In the fifth race over 2400m To The Rescue has always looked to be one who would improve with age and with a win last time over this trip he looks to be coming onto his own and he has found his niche trip. He is drawn in pole and only has to overcome a four point raise with highflying Calvin Habib taking the ride. Royal Mazarin has ability over this trip and is 2kg better off with To The Rescue for a 4,60 length beating. Damova has won the last twice she has run over staying trips and is also a big runner.
In race seven over 1400m Fostinovo looks to be distance suited and is drawn in pole. The last time he ran over this distance category he failed narrowly and is now a point lower in the merit ratings. Pressonregardless was up against a good one last time but on previous form over this trip he should go close, although he has a tough draw of ten. Rattle Bag is an honest mare who is capable of a strong finish if it pans out well and she is course and distance suited and has a good draw with a 1,5kg claimer up.
In race eight over 1160m Francine should be improving all the time being by Silvano and she is entitled to further improvement after a win last time as she spent the early part of her career running against the best. She is drawn towards the right side. Calantha is 1,5kg better off with Francine for a 1,25 length beating and is drawn one inside of her. Kingdom Of Gold is an interesting runner as she is drawn on the right side and after facing some good sorts and having an eleven month layoff she has come down to a nice merit rating and made a fair comeback. She has the ability to be right there.
In the last race Twice As Wild has pace and can stay on and she has hardknocking form and is drawn on the right side, although she is 1,5kg under sufferance. Fastnet Filly won her Highveld debut easily but now has to overcome a low draw, although her form has been franked and she looks to have a reasonable merit rating. Dancing Dora is a consistent sort and is drawn on the right side and is only half-a-kilogram under sufferance.
In the first race over 1160m Vibe SA has a lot of ability but seems to be one of those horses who does not like to be away from company so he puts on the brakes when in front, but he probably has the most ability. However, he has the disadvantageous number one draw and due to his quirks Kwagga Blitz might be the one to side with.
