One Fine Winter can prove her class and reliability in the Swallow Stakes (JC Photos)
The Listed Betway Swallow Stakes over 1200m Is the main race at the Vaal straight course meeting on Saturday.
One Fine Winter has class and speed and is a reliable sort. In her last five races she has only been beaten in respective Gr 1s over 1200m and 1600m and by the Equus Champion filly Golden Palm in the Gr 2 SA Fillies Nursery. In her last start, she beat the boys in a Graduation Plate, despite returning from a layoff of over four months. She does have to carry a 2kg penalty in the Swallo Stakes, but she should be up to it. The chief danger could be Anchorage who is quick and has class. She would certainly have finished better than third last time had she not attempted to savage the winner close to home. Hopefully her quirks will not hamper her run this time. The unbeaten Rifle Queen has impressed in both starts and returns from a five month layoff. It would be no surprise if she won the race as the Peter yard have them fit coming back from layoffs. Elegantrix has been disappointing considered that at one stage she looked to have a lot of class. She will have to bounce back if she is to win this race. Calantha beat Elegantrix by half-a-length last time but is now 2kg worse off. Malibu has talent but was well beaten by Calantha the last time they met.
The second is an intriguing Graduation Plate over 1200m. Umzngeli Wenyathi won on the Hollywoodbets Greyville poly on Wednesday having shown decent form in Cape Town, so can be a contender if lining up here as he looks capable of riding above his merit rating. The Last Duke is also a three-year-old who looks to have the ability to rise higher in the merit ratings. Chapbook is 1,5kg under sufferance with the two best weighted horses and made a good Highveld debut. Zalatoris is the joint best weighted but has been a touch disappointing. Kaalvoet is the other best weighted but is held by Chapbook on their last meeting.
In the first leg of the P6 over 1700m Buddy Boy improved last time and went close and with a repeat he is the one to beat. Zip Code finished strongly over 1475 meters in his penultimate start to make the frame but he is none too reliable and this longer trip is not certain to suit. Guerrilla Warfare has run two fine races in his last two starts, but those were both from good draws and he now has a wide draw. Force Publique gave the impression he would see out this trip in his last start over 1500m and if he does do so he should be in the shake up. Robert Browning can never be ignored, especially if he is able to get to the front and dictate.
In the fifth race over 2000m Crepuscolo ran a fine race last time to win and can handle a four point increase considering he sneaks into the handicap here with the minimum weight. Bellerophon has come down in the merit ratings slightly and has a 1,5kg claimer up, so can be competitive. Repetition went close over this trip last time, but does have a three point raise to contend with. Real Stunner s 1,5kg better off with Repetition for a 1,30 length beating. Gavin Lerena rides Romeo’s Magic and has a chance from a good draw on his home course.
The sixth over 1400m is a tricky race, but Commander Of All could be the one to side with over a step down in trip, because if bouncing back he has the ability to go close and this is his home course. Bloomington also has enough ability to be a threat and has the advantage of in-form Rachel Venniker’s 1,5kg gender claim. Carnelo is distance suited and can be in the shake up if repeating either of his last two starts. Golden Aspen has been enjoying running off his current merit rating and can be right there again. Northern Kitten can be in the shake up if repeating his last start.
In the eighth over 1000m Xenophon and Vanakkam will both enjoy the trip and both look to have plenty of upside. Plus Four won well when stepped down to this trip last time and Rafa Bay is 1kg better off with Plus Four for a 0,25kg beating if claims are ignored, so should be right there too. Kia Kaha is capable of being in the shake up if reproducing her best.
In the ninth over 1200m Play With The Eind looks to have plenty of ability and scope for improvement and can beat Captain Selvie and Maverick Queen both of whom look to be capable of rising to higher merit ratings.
In the third race over 1700m Taegan’s Champ should take care of this field if producing his best. Hotarubi is the best weighted but is quirky and unreliable.
In the first over 1000m Catfish can come on from his decent debut and can confirm the form with Buffalo King Cody.
In the tenth race over 1200m Tiger Storm can beat Hathighwaytothesky.
