Title-chasing Paul Peter recently saddled a Jackpot at the Vaal – the third of his career – and Cape Town trainer Brett Crawford could replicate the feat of his Highveld-based counterpart by sending out the four winners of the second Jackpot (Races 7-10) at Kenilworth on Wednesday 4 May.
Crawford took over many of Mike Robinson’s horses when he closed shop and one of those inherited was Sudden Star, who finished second on his stable debut five weeks ago. This five-year-old son of Sudden Storm raced prominently throughout that competitive 2000m handicap under a big weight and was only outrun late by the winner to whom he was conceding 4kg.
Sudden Star has another big weight to carry in Race 7. The drop back in trip to 1800m should suit and jockey Luyolo Mxothwa will also know more of what to expect from his mount, a genuine sort, game under pressure and who usually enjoys a scrap in a tight finish.
Dubai Lights could prove a shrewd inclusion in bets such as Swingers and Exactas/Quinellas, as Vaughan Marshall’s charge is closely matched on form with Sudden Star and likely to start at a much longer price.
Crawford and Mxothwa should make it a quick double with lightly raced Fleeting, a daughter of Querari, in Race 8 over 1800m. This three-year-old filly was returning from almost four months out when staying on well to finish fourth over 1600m and, on the evidence of that display, should relish the extra 200m with improved fitness on her side.
Mxothwa has ridden Fleeting in five starts and finished in the money on every occasion, winning once – a tally which he should double.
Celtic Night should, if building on the promise of her comeback sprint, complete the jockey-trainer hat-trick in Race 9. Effective from 1200m to 1800m, this daughter of Vercingetorix was a fast-finishing second over 1200m following a three-month absence and the step up to 1400m with that run under her girth makes her an attractive proposition for those wanting a punt on the nose.
So too, in fact, is stablemate and exciting three-year-old filly Whoa Whoa Whoa who lines up in Race 10 over 1100m. Anton Marcus, as retained rider for owners Ridgemont, will be in the saddle on this imported daughter of Japanese champion Maurice hoping to preserve his 100% record aboard the filly and complete the clean sweep of Jackpot Two for the Crawford stable.
Clive Robinson