We Are The Logans wins comfortably last time out (JC Photos)
There is an eight race meeting at Turffontein Inside on Saturday and in the highest rated race, a MR99 handicap over 1450m, the classy We Are The Logans could follow up on his win last time out, although cases can be made for a number of the opposition.
The Tony Peter-trained Flying The Flag four-year-old showed his class early in his career when finishing a 4.30 length third to Sandringham Summit and Main Defender in the Gr 1 World Pool Moment Of The Day Premiers Champion Stakes over 1600m at Holltywoodbets Greyville. He then went off the boil and had a highly disappointing three-year-old campaign. However, off a merit rating that had dropped to 85 he has come back to form this season. Last time out over 1400m was the first time he had been ridden by Gavin Lerena and the key to him might have been found in that outing. Lerena left him alone for the first half of the race and when he eventually delivered him he had plenty in the tank and won easing up by 2,25 lengths in the small five horse field. He was raised five points but has a fair draw and Lerena will likely use the same tactics from a tricky draw of six of nine. The Sean Tarry-trained Willow Express has been in good form, winning three of his last five starts. He came from last last time out over 1600m and won comfortably after producing a strong finish. He could be dropped out from a wide draw here and try and do the same, although he is off a six point higher merit rating. The Futurist will be interesting on this tight track because he is capable of setting a strong gallop and staying on. Southern Blaze has won three of his last four including his last two but in his hattrick bid he has to overcome a four point raise and a wide draw. A wide draw did not stop him last time when dropped out to last over 1400m and running on and on a line through Pressonregardless he has We Are The Logans well beaten. However, he has not raced since August 10, so there is a concern he might need this. Run For Cover has a good draw over a suitable trip and can’t be ignored.
In the first leg of the Pick 6 Dance King looks the one to beat having finished just 3,25 lengths behind the promising Heather’s Boy last time when stepped up to 1450m and he now has a good draw over a 1600m trip he should enjoy. Milan’s World was stepped up to this trip in his third career start in July and ran a fair race. He might have benefited from the layoff and is drawn in pole with Piere Strydom up. Jabberwocky, Gamer and Spy Story could all earn if reproducing their best performances.
In the second leg of the Pick 6 over 2000m Quello Che is in good form and now tries a step up to a trip she has failed over before. She is by Querari out of a Gimmethegreenlight mare who won over 1400m and was tried up to 2400m, while her second dam won over 2000m and is a half-sister to July runner up Young Rake, so there is hope she will get the trip and she does not have a lot to beat. Fetching Flyer is in good form and being out of a Silvano mare might enjoy the step up in trip. Perform is capable of a strong finish and could earn here. Lunar Rainbow ran well when stepped up to 1800m last time. African Beauty has shown some ability and could be the surprise package.
In the fifth race over 2600m Battleground has the class to go in. This is his second outing since winning the PE Gold Cup over 3200m and he should have come on from his last start. Twenty Drachmas has plenty of ability as a stayer and could start coming into his own. Mambo Come Tesio could be in the shake up too.
In the sixth over 1450m Pressonregardless ran well last time against We Are The Logans and now has a plum draw. Theres A Light ran a good race over 1200m first time out the maidens and should enjoy the step up in trip. Ombudsman won his maiden well when stepped up to 1600m and should also enjoy this slightly shorter trip. Salute The Flag is a capable sort returning from a layoff. Doitwithdiamonds has a tricky draw but is in fine form and can’t be ignored.
In the last race over 1600m Chestnut Bomber could prove hard to beat as he should have come on from his last two starts and he is well drawn over an ideal trip. This runner heralds the reunion of the Johan Janse van Vuuren/Gavin Lerena partnership.
In the first race over 1000m, the first leg of the Bipot, Blingual has a good opportunity as she has some form and faces an uninspiring field from a good draw.
In the second race over 1000m, the first leg of the PA, Rondebosch looks to have plenty of ability so could overcome a layoff of close to five months and a wide draw to go close. However, Let’s Play Poker and Kwagga Blitz should also be included.
