Prime Venture has been tipped to win the Winter Country Championship 1800 Final (Picture: Wayne Marks)
Graeme Hawkins (Gold Circle)
The improving 4yo Silvano gelding Prime Venture looks set to follow up on his recent 1600m victory at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth tomorrow when he lines up against nine rivals in the eighth race on the programme, the R200 000 Winter Country Championship over 1800m.
Prime Venture had his first run as a gelding back in April when finishing third behind stable companion Master Of Paris. He found plenty of market support on that occasion but may just have needed the outing. In his next start over 2000m he was a trifle disappointing when soundly beaten by Baton Rouge, who re-opposes here on the same terms, but Prime Venture then caught the eye when storming home from far back to beat Shavout going away over a mile. Grant Van Niekerk takes the ride for the first time and, while the weights clearly suggest that Baton Rouge is a major threat, Prime Venture leaves the impression that he is now on an upward curve and I expect him to record back-to-back victories.
King Pelles was fourth behind Prime Venture and should again be held, and it’s noteworthy that Van Niekerk, who rode King Pelles then, has now been paired with Prime Venture. Ice Rain seems well treated by the conditions of the race and the 4yo daughter of Vercingetorix is holding form well. There may be a question mark about her ability to see out the 1800m, but she is as game as they come and would not be a surprise winner.
Lightly weighted Ozark is 2kgs better off with Prime Venture for a length-and-a-half beating which should bring the pair closer together, but Ozark needs to show improved consistency. Naushon often flatters to deceive, but is also weighted with a big chance and could upset the apple-cart.
Typical of the progeny of Silvano, it has taken a while for the penny to drop for Prime Venture, but he is now heading in the right direction and I expect him to give us a very good run for our money.
The fifth race on the card, the R200 000 Winter Country Championship Final (Class 5) over 1400m could go the way of the Piet Steyn-trained Spirit’s Unite. Aldo Domeyer re-unites with the 4yo The United States gelding and the pair could be rewarded with a well-deserved victory following solid performances in his last three starts. Veronique will be a lively challenger from pole position and she could turn the tables on Cattaleya, who won her most recent outing at Hollywoodbets Durbanville in good style. Liketheclappers and Gold Index appear the pick of the balance and are worthy of consideration for all exotic permutations.
The sixth race, the R200 000 Winter Country Championship (Class 5) over 1200m, is quite possibly the toughest race on the day with more than half the 16-strong field enjoying winning claims. The blinkers have been re-fitted to On Board and she should go well here, but watch out for a better effort from Red Moon Rising at a big price. Royal Lytham and Tres Chic are obvious contenders in a wide-open event.
The seventh race, the R200 000 Winter Country Championship (Class 4) over 1200, is another trappy affair, but I will be pinning my hopes on Great Cat from the Brett Crawford stable. He also saddles Night Bomber, who has been runner-up in his last two course and distance starts. Night Tiger and Lunch Money, from the Candice Bass-Robinson yard, are very much “alive”, while both All About Al and Sooty have the ability to win a race of this nature.
The best race on the programme is no doubt the third race, the R165 000 One World Syndicate Cape A Stakes over 1100m. Future Variety makes his first appearance since finishing a close second behind Thunderstruck in the Khaya Stables Diadem Stakes on Derby Day at the end of February. He is all class but may just be short of a run and, with 61,5kgs to shoulder, could be vulnerable. The promising Riverstone has also been on the side-lines for a while, but Serino Moodley flies in from Durban to partner Gareth Van Zyl’s charge and he cannot be ruled out in receipt of 9,5kgs from Future Variety. Silver Falcon relishes soft underfoot conditions and may prove to be the surprise package in the race.
