Trainer Dennis Drier is stepping out promising juveniles and his yard could be worth following. Considering all the rain over KwaZulu-Natal of late, it is interesting that Drier sends out two of his most promising youngsters, staring off with Gladatorian in Race 1, a Juvenile Plate over 1100m at Greyville on Sunday.
These two might need racing as they could be headed for the upcoming Grade 1 juvenile races over the winter season. As a result, Drier could start things off with a bang.
Gladatorian enjoyed the wet in his second start, beating those on the outside of the track by some margin. Aztec Warrior, the sole horse that kept him company, raced up the inside and the better going there may have flattered that performance.
This time Gladatorian has drawn down the inside and he could really let rip.
Drier saddles Totally Rocks in Race 2, a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1000m. She suffered a minor injury to her right hind in running, and she too had to make do with an outside gate at Greyville.
It was her first run and she took on Sabatini, a filly with racing experience, who was able her to lead and then kick away. B ut Totally Rocks, who was backed into favourite, only went down 1.40 lengths.
Her mother, Beach Goddess, won two in a row after needing her first race and then went on to win a Grade 3 and ran well in Grade 2 races so Totally Rocks could have the quality to win with ease even though as a two-year-old she will be taking on older opposition.
Most of those appear limited, however, it will be interesting to see how Justin Snaith’s pair of well-bred juvenile fillies Camika and Lady Chocolat go. They too could be headed for bigger paydays.
Clive Robinson
