Ziyasha has been tipped to win the last race (Picture: Wayne Marks)
Ziyasha has a chance in the 8th, a Pinacle Stakes event over 1100m (Pci
A Pinnacle Stakes event over 1100m is the headliner at Turffontein Standside on Saturday and it could go to Ziyasha.
The Clinton Binda-trained Rafeef gelding was backed at long odds in the Gr 2 TAB Senor Santa Stakes over 1160m but unfortunately overraced. He now gets Gavin Lerena up and will appreciate the slight step down in trip, even if it is just 60m shorter. His low draw of four is a bit of a concern but the straight course at Turffontein sometimes has no bias at all these days. On the other hand he is 3,5kg under sufferance with the best weighted horse Destiny Of Fire. The latter gets a 2,5kg gender allowance and is at least 2,5kg better off with any of the male runners, but it is never easy for the girls against the boys. Ziyasha is only 1kg under sufferance with the best weighted male. However, a look at his run in the Computaform Sprint in which he was squeezed out at a vital stage before running on again, showed that he is capable of a high class performance. Slinky Mapimpi is full of talent too and bounced back to form last time. He is capable of a top run over this trip too and is 1kg better off than Ziyasha so should do well from a nice high draw with the in-form Mickaelle Michel up. Destiny Of Fire ran a good fifth when stepped down to this trip last time in the Camellia Stakes and could make her presence felt. Almond Sea is second best in at the weights, 1,5kg under sufferance with Destiny Of Fire, and she can do better than she did in the Camellia if ridden more conservatively and then running on strongy, as she is capable of doing. Quantum Theory was in good form before going to Cape Town, where he ran well below par, and he might be ready to bounce back. Ziyasha is selected to beat Slinky Mapimpi with Dsetiny Of Fire, Almond Sea and Quantum Theory next best.
In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1600m Celtic Manor made a fine debut over 1160m and this Master Of My Fate should relish the step up in trip and she is drawn in pole too. Be My Fate could be the main threat as she looks to be on the up, although she has a tricky draw. Gimmesumluv has been knocking on the door and should be in the shake up.
In the fifth race, a Middle Stakes race over 1600m, The Playboy Bomber is one of the best weighted males and he is at the top of his merit rated band off a 93, having won a Middle Stakes race last time when rated 88 and being one point off the top of his band. Tintin has an easier task than last time and is interesting stepped up in trip from a good draw as he has done well up to 1450m, although his dam was speedy, so this Rafeef filly is not garanteed to like the step up. Willy Meet Again is the best weighted runner and will be a big runner if able to overcome a wide draw and get to the front fairly easily as she is capable of kicking from the front. Erroll Flynn was most disappointing last time in a feature but there were excuses and he can bounce back. King’s Express is one of the best weighted males in the race and the form of his win last time has been franked.
In the sixth race over 2000m Instant Attraction is capable of going close here as she did well against the boys last time over course and distance and now has a plum draw as opposed to a wide draw. Thoonsil is four points higher after his maiden win but from pole position looks capable of following up. Full Go is in good form and distance suited but does have to overcome a wide draw. Terrence looks capable of earning in this line up. Romeo’s Magic can bounce back with a step down in trip from a fair draw.
In the seventh over 2000m Ariovistus won easily last time and can go close again despite being six points higher. Jordan is course and distance suited and he can do a lot better than last time, where he was drawn eleven and found nothing, as he is now drawn four. Future Gamble is on the up and should be in the shake up too.
In the ninth over 1000m Umzingeli Wenyati should make a bold bid from a nice high draw. His Lordship has the ability to go close, but he has the number one draw. Lonely As A Cloud should be in the shake up here.
In the first leg of the PA over 1600m Rock My Boat is distance suited and can go one better than last time in an uninspiring field.
In the first leg of the Bipot over 1160m Gone Cold has fine form and will be hard to beat, although he does have a low draw which might be disadvantageous. Stormact is drawn high and should be right there.
In the first race 1160m the impressive grey Impressive will be hard to beat from a nice high draw.
