In a futuristic game, Ekoria was a Teplan who was infected with an affliction called the Blight. Her namesake, the filly Ekoria, could hardly have done more on her recent debut and should go one better this time.
The Gavin Smith-trained juvenile was slowly away by a couple of lengths and took her time to gather her best stride but when she did she quickened nicely and was only 2.25 lengths adrift of smart filly Chere For Me and a couple of lengths ahead of decent maiden winners.
It is interesting that this Futura filly started her career off over 1200m and her dam is by Silvano, which suggests she may want some ground soon, so a drop to 1000m when she lines up for Race 1, a Maiden Juvenile Plate, is a concern. But she may be a class above her rivals who have raced.
There is also a factor of uncertainty in that there are three newcomers carded for the race with one of them trained by Smith’s arch-rival Alan Greeff.
It is a big day by Eastern Cape standards and there are some nice races throughout the day and it is nice to see Justin Snaith, Glen Kotzen and Brett Crawford sending out raiders.
Snaith could be in the winner’s enclosure as early as Race 2 as his two chargers, Keep It Secret and I Want It All, look big runners.
Probably the best race class-wise comes in Race 7, the Glenlair Trophy (Listed) over 2800m.
Glen Kotzen-trained Follow That Star has a good record of three wins in just four starts at this course and is a proven stayer so should be hard to beat.
The other big race of the day is Race 8, the Eastern Cape Oaks (Listed) over 2000m and this should be competitive.
Form over the distance is thin in the book so the weights and merit-ratings could be suspect.
Once again Justin Snaith holds a decent hand and Peut Etre Moi should at least give you a good run for your money.
Clive Robinson
