Double Grand Slam will be hard to beat in the Gr 3 Diana Stakes (Picture Wayne Marks)
Mark van Deventer (Race Coast)
11 x winning wonder-mare, DOUBLE GRAND SLAM has a huge class edge over her rivals in Saturday’s Diana Stakes at Hollywoodbets Durbanville.
She ticks all the important boxes: highest OMR 125, clear best weighted by ten points, course and 1400m distance form, handles any type of ground, top connections (Justin Snaith/ Keagan de Melo) and she has won fresh before so the 84-day gap since her KZN campaign should not be an issue.
The accomplished multiple Grade 1 winning daughter of Vercingetorix has gone off as favorite in most of her starts and will do so again. It is hard to envisage her getting beaten.
STORMWATCH, who packs a potent turn of foot and now comes back from her annual break, and 4YO filly KEUKENHOF are next best in the official rankings, together with BABELICIOUS, who has a place chance if transferring her best sprint form to seven furlongs.
Des McLachlan’s stable star JET FORCE is the pick in the Matchem Stakes Gr 3. Grant van Niekerk jets in to ride this high-class Master of My Fate gelding who loves a true run 1400m and does well at this venue.
JET FORCE scrapped with ace sprinter BUFFALO STORM CODY in Durban during the Winter – beating his foe in the Post Merchants Gr 3 then succumbing (narrowly) in the Mercury Spring Gr 1. That level of form makes him the one to beat in Race 7.
Rob Barrett’s CHASINGTHERAINBOW is a late running “swooper” to be respected. Most impressive when sweeping clear of GALLIC DREAM in the Winter Mile he resumes 97 days after that eye-catching score.
SUGAR MOUNTAIN, a winner of 12 of 43 races and a specialist over seven panels is another legit contender. So too is LEGAL COUNSEL who ran strongly in big races between 1600 and 2000m. He is a mighty-tough customer to pass when in a galloping mood, but the fleet-footed JET FORCE may be able to accelerate by over this distance.
CAFÉ CULTURE relishes the Hollywoodbets Durbanville layout and should get a smooth run in transit from draw 1. He was second to QUESTIONING in the 2025 Matchem Stakes Gr 3, ahead of the reopposing OUTLAW KING.
O’TENIKWA could also be dangerous pressing the pace from a low gate. He races fresh, gets a change of equipment and has held his own in races at this class level so could supporters give a good sight.
Candice Bass reckons LA PULGA should go nicely first up after a freshening. That gives him a place shake though his absolute best ratings have come over 1800m
GOLD GIBOSKI enjoyed a productive Winter which yielded two wins and two seconds, albeit at a lower level. He comes in with just 54kg’s to compensate for the big step up in class.
Low weight 3YO, MAGMA FLOW makes up the ten-runner Matchem field. Usually ridden handy, he employed hold up tactics last time from a wide draw and ran nicely behind MAGICAL PLACE. This is altogether way harder, though.
Trainer, Justin Snaith is teed up for a successful day and could also have the Settlers Trophy Listed in his grasp. He saddles MIAMI SUMMER and PRAIRIE DAWN as principal candidates in this 2000m contest carded as Race 5.
BILLY BOWLEGS, CONGRESSMAN and DOUGLAS DRAGON should ensure a true run heat which will set things up for Snaith’s strong finishing duo.
The stable reports that PRAIRIE DAWN is “doing great and will run to form” whilst the rapidly progressive, MIAMI SUMMER has specifically targeted this race and could run to a much higher mark now that he gets his optimal trip.
SOHO HEARTTHROB is another stretching out after competing over 1600m. On collateral form with IN A TIMELY MANNER and PRAIRIE DAWN, he has a shout. Dean Kannemeyer’s entry has scope making just his 13th career start and will be delivered late by fine judge of pace, Craig Zackey. They must be used in single race exotics.
LEGAL DANCER appeals as one of the better bets on the undercard. Des McLachlan and Grant van Niekerk team up on this Legislate 3YO who need only come on slightly from an excellent second to WREATH OF SNOW 24 days ago to see off Maiden rivals in Race 2.
The speed figure and finishing fraction were better than standard for this type of race, plus the form has been bolstered by third place finisher, TIME OF OUR LIVES romping at Hollywoodbets Durbanville’s midweek meeting.
