Mike said, “She is in a very good space, we could not have her any better.”
On paper she looks to have a tough task with Gallic Princess, who beat her by 2,25 lengths last time out in the Grade 3 WSB Live Blackjack Tommy Hotspur Stakes over 1000m and they now face each other on identical terms.
Mike said, “I am not worried about Gallic Princess and am more concerned about some of the other runners. Last time Sweet Future missed the break and was too far out of her ground. She was flying at the line and was the fastest finisher.”
The long-striding filly should enjoy the extra 160 metres judged on that performance but that is not to say she lacks toe.
In February last year in the Listed Bauhinia Handicap she hit the front a long way from home despite it being over the minimum 1000m trip and won by 3,75 lengths, setting a new Vaal Classic course record of 55,31 seconds.
Azzie said at the time he was of the opinion she had always wanted to be “held together” before “running into the bit” and that was the way S’Manga Khumalo had ridden her that day.
That was as opposed to her three previous wins when being ridden on a long, loose rein.
On Saturday she has Richard Fourie up and if it is a particular way which brings the best out of a horse there could not be a better man to do it correctly.
However, more than a few pundits will be concerned about Sweet Future’s low draw, which by trends is the wrong side to be on.
However, Azzie said, “At the last meeting they were winning from that side so it should not be a problem.”
