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Astrix Appoints Himself Herd Leader At The Peter Yard

Astrix has appointed himself herd leader at the Paul Peter yard.

“He knows he won, he is so full of confidence,” chortled Peter about the Grade 1 TAB Premier’s Champions Challenge winner.

Peter said the five-year-old Vercingetorix gelding’s mission is the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

He might have a preparation run in the Grade 3 Jubilee Stakes over 1800m at Turffontein Standside on June 12.

The Elusive Fort filly Sprinkles becomes a big runner in the Grade 1 Woolavington 2000 after the scratching of Rain In Holland.

She was likely the unluckiest horse to not appear on the Hollywoodbets Durban July log considering she finished runner up to Rain In Holland in both the Grade 2 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas and the Grade 1 Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic. 

She did blot her copy book in her next two starts, finishing sixth and fifth respectively in the Grade 1 HSH Princess Charlene Of Monaco Empress Club Stakes and the Grade 2 Gerald Rosenberg Stakes.

However, Peter said, “In the Empress Club the draw worked against her and with the postponement of that race the Gerald Rosenberg came too soon. I think a line can be drawn through both of those runs.”

She has now landed a plum draw in the Woolavington but the small but gallant and good-actioned filly should make a bold bid.      

Meanwhile, MK’s Pride has been scratched from the July and will be targeting the Grade 1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge and the Grade 1 Champions Cup.

Peter will be double-handed in the Grade 1 Allan Robertson Championship at the Festival Of Speed meeting at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on June 4 with River Queraress and Miss Cool.

He said, “I was a bit disappointed with River Queraress last time. She was giving weight to the colts, but I still expected her to win. She has been hitting a flat spot in the middle of her races and we will put the blinkers on. On pedigree and conformation she will appreciate further but we can’t let a Group 1 go by. There is an uphill finish at Scottsville which will suit her.”

Warren Kennedy will be aboard River Queraress and Gavin Lerena will maintain his partnership with Grade 2 SA Nursery winner Miss Cool.

Peter said about the latter, “She is amazing. She has a high cruising speed and a lovely action for such a small filly. Being a light filly we will see how she takes Scottsville before taking on more races.”

His other stalwart two-year-old filly Maharanee is going to bypass the Festival Of Speed meeting and target the Grade 2 Golden Slipper over 1400m on Hollywoodbets Durban July day.  

Peter will run Shangani, Green Haze and Flying Bull in the Lonsdale Stirrup Cup over 2400m at the Daily News meeting on May 28 at Hollywoodbets Greyville. 

Peter has reverted to the opinion that Shangani is an out and out stayer.

Green Haze has also been doing well over staying trips under patient rides.  

However, the one Peter most needs a good run from in the Lonsdale is Flying Bull because he is hoping to qualify him for the July.

He said this Soft Falling Rain gelding had strengthened and matured which had allowed him to step up in trip.

He stepped up to 2000m for the first time in his penultimate start and won by 8,50 lengths and won his last start over 2400m by four lengths. 

Peter said, “He is a very good horse.”

Picture: Sprinkles (JC Photos)