Time Fo Orchids is progressing rapidly into a smart sprinter (JC Photos)
The Johan Janse van Vuuren-trained Time Thief filly Time Fo Orchids is a smart sprinter in the making and from draw three under in form Gavin Lerena she should hold too many guns in a 1000m Middle Stakes event at Turffontein Inside on Thursday.
She is up against the boys, but is officially the best in at the weights. Time For Orchids was bought for R850,000 in training by Rikesh Sewgoolam from the Sean Tarry Fast Track Sale in September 2022 with the R7.5 million Gold Rush in mind as she was the highest rated qualifier for the latter race. It had become clear before that race that she was stretched by a mile and she finished unplaced, having come off two fine efforts in Cape Town, a 0,75 length second in a Gr 2 over 1400m and a 1,80 length fourth to Princess Calla in the Gr 2 Cartier Sceptre Stakes over 1200m, with an unplaced run in the WSB Cape Fillies Guineas in between. However, after dropping to a 90 merit rating she is now being kept to sprints and is duly progressing rapidly. She has speed and a nice kick so the Turffontein Inside track should suit her down to the ground. She is at cramped odds but can be bankered in all bets. Dreamland gets 6,5kg from Time Fo Orchids and is drawn in pole. This Lucky Houdalakis-trained Lancaster Bomber gelding is out of a placed Oasis Dream mare who is a daughter of champion sprinter Val De Ra. He looked to be a useful sort in the making at one stage before losing his way for three runs, but his last two runs signalled he is back on the up and he will be the biggest danger. Prophet was on his way to being a leading member of his crop at one stage but has proved to be most disappointing. A six month layoff might have helped him renew his zest, so he could be a danger, although he does have a tough draw.
In the first leg of the Pick 6 the long-striding Two Miles West is the selection. He didn’t have any cover last time when staying on over 1400m and beaten 4,50 lengths by Presley with Marauding Horde second. Both of the latter horses have won since then. Policy Of Truth will be a threat if settling better than last time. Forest God can improve from his debut and he will enjoy the step up in trip from draw two. Monte Bello should make the frame here from pole position. Breath Of Magic was a shorthead in front of Forest God last time but is a long-time, well exposed maiden.
In the second leg Thing Called Love returned from a five-and-a-half month layoff to go close over 1000m last time and she should have come on from that run. She has a lot of speed and should take a power of beating in an uninspiring contest.
In the fifth race over 1000m In The Ether managed to win over course and distance last time from draw eight and is now drawn eight again, but is five points higher in the merit ratings. However, this is a difficult race and the whole field should be considered for the Pick 6 with the preferred top six being In The Ether, Sahara Dawn, Cue The Rebel, Bossy Boots, Fennec Fox and Heirloom.
In the seventh race over 1500m Cerulean Dancer was given a five point rais for her win last time over 1200m, but she should prefer this trip and is crawn in pole. She is progressing as a four-year-old. Gimme The Flame followed a win over 1450m with a nice second over 1200m and will prefer this trip, but she was given three points for that last run. Golden Pavilion bounced back to form last time with second time head gear, but an eight point raise makes it tough. King Rahul ran a cracker over 1400m last time and can win with a repeat, but he does have a tough draw. Arividicio and Libeccio can not be ignored.
In the last race Walled Garden struck as a decent sort when winning second time out over 1160m. He is out of a mare by sprinter Speightstown and she went close in her only start over 1000m. However Walled Garden is by stamina influence Flower Alley so should enjoy this step up in trip, although he does have a tough draw. Fast Duty and Mitch Got His Wish make most appeal of the rest. Sage King and Willow Express can also be considered.
In the first leg of the PA over 2000m Erupt the Dawn by Erupt is a half-sister to the useful Dawnofanewday and should improve from her fair debut effort over 1700m. Say It With Roses will also be a big runner here and is a must include.
In the first race Wild At War made a fair debut and this Danon Platina gelding now has a fair draw over a much more suitable trip. Sunset Riot and Hair Trigger make most appeal of the rest.
