Jasiri came from well back to win impressively last time and this progressive sprinter can follow up at Turffontein Standside on Saturday (JC Photos)
Jasiri by Canford Cliffs is a half-sister to classy Johan Janse van Vuuren-trained stablemate Bingwa and she caught the eye last time out when coming from some way off the pace to mow them down over 1000m at the Vaal.
On Saturday she runs in a MR 91 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1000m at Turffontein Standside and has a favourable standside draw, so Gavin Lerena might be able to tepeat that last performance off just a three point higher mark. She looks capable of rising above her current 82 merit rating. However, What A Lucy has plenty of substance and looks to have scope for further improvement after two wins and a close second in her last three starts, this progressive Lucky Houdalakis-trained daughter of Whaat A Winter will be a threat. This is her best trip and she is also drawn on the right side. Virginia Beach has pace and the blinkers have been fitted so she is interesting from the standside draw. Mist In Scotland won easily last time out on the Highveld but then, off an eight point higher mark, went back to her previous sort of form by finishing 8,20 lengths back at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. She is capable but unreliable so some might want to include her in the Pick 6. On Cue is a consistent sort who is distance suited but the number two draw is against her.
That is race seven at the meeting and the previous race, a Pinnacle Stakes event over 1400m, will also have some classy contestants. The classy Gr 1 winner Bavarian Beauty is 2kg better off at the weights than any other runner according to the official merit ratings and she has a fair draw of five over an ideal trip. Celtic Rumours was beaten 2,90 lengths by Bavarian Beauty in the Gr 1 Ridgemont Garden Province Stakes over 1600m but she has some fine form over 1400m, including a 3,25 length fourth in the Gr 2 Hawaii Stakes behind the like of Sandringham Summit and Lucky lad and she beat the like of Unzen and At My Command. She gets 2kg from the year younger Bavarian beauty but does have the widest draw in the nine horse field. Captain Peg has won five of her six starts over this distance category and comes off a good run with blinkers on over 1200m. She is drawn in pole with 2,5kg claimer Trent Mayhew up and could be dangerous receiving 2kg from Bavarian Beauty. Key Element is 2,5kg under sufferance with Bavarian Beauty but has shown improvement lately and could earn, although her draw of six is not easy. Lady Of Power won the Gr 2 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas from the front last year and could be a threat if taking the lead from draw three here, although she appears to prefer further these days.
The first leg of the Pick 6 over 1600m could be won by Lady Of Tibet if she repeats her last start over this course and distance. She has a plum draw of two and in form Gavin Lerena gets the ride. Party Punch appears to be on the up and can’t be ignored. Silver Parasol actually comes out ahead of Lady Of Tibet on formlines because she comfortably beat Cantfoolme last time out over this trip and the latter then went and won, beating Lady Of Tibet. Silver Parasol has to therefore be considered.
In the second leg over 1600m Dimako’s Jet only just failed in her last two over 1800m and 1600m respectively and now gets cheekpieces on from a plum draw. She will be hard to beat. Viva De Janeiro has ability and could be the biggest threat although a wide draw is offputting.
In the eighth race over 1000m Midnight Fusion ran a good race last time when drawn on the wrong side and she now has a middle draw and a 2,5kg claimer up. Ride On has some eyecatching form and draw six out of nine should see her involved. Pendragon is an interesting runner because Gavin Lerena got him to run on strongly the last time he rode him, which was as opposed to his normal pacey style. He could be flying at them late from a high draw.
In the last leg of the Pick 6 Waitforgreenlight is drawn on the right side with a 2,5kg claimer up and could go close. Neerah bounced back with a fine effort over this trip last time and with a repeat from a middle draw could be in the shake up. Peace Of Mind is talented and goes for a hattrick but it won’t be easy from a low draw. Fennec Fox goes for a hattrick over her favourite trip, but from a fair draw does have to overcome a four point raise. Micke’s Bomb is capable of an upset from a nice high draw.
In the first leg of the bipot Zanthar and Komati River should get punters through.
In the first leg of the PA Joost Droochsloot, Panning Gold and Bay Empire stand out and could help punters treble up in the PA.
