Clive Robinson
The first KwaZulu-Natal race-meeting of the season takes place at Greyville on Wednesday 3 August and last season’s juveniles – who had already shown maturity beyond their years – look set to continue their dominance.
Dowser in particular should be hard to beat in Race 7, a MR68 Handicap over 1800m.
It’s amazing to see the Glen Kotzen-trained inmate running in a Class D contest when it looked like he would be seen next in a Graded race.
Perhaps he will, after showing what he can do against his elders. Last time out he slammed the highly regarded Dean Kannemeyer-trained Ready Or Not. With respect to the field here, he looks to be meeting much, much weaker.
Bookmakers may allow some leeway as he is carrying top weight over the longer 1800m trip.
Another newly turned three-year-old that should teach her elders a thing or two is Girl Of Tregunter, who lines up in Race 5, a FM74 Handicap over 1400m.
This well-bred daughter of Willow Magic has already beaten older runners – in style one might add – and at the time of writing was scheduled as reserve 3 in the Grade 1 Thekwini Stakes at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday 30 July. She is highly regarded and may venture through the divisions if taking to the poly.
Check how she runs (if she runs) in the Thekwini before making final decisions, however.
The other youngster tested in open company on the poly is Famous And Rich, who is carded to step up to the plate in Race 6, a MR68 Handicap over 1800m.
Like Dowser, he is a son of Visionaire, which bodes well for his ability on the poly. However, he looks to have more of a task. Though having drawn well in gate 2, he will need to show that he can settle over the longer trip.
Master Tobe and Secret Giver also look to be heading back to best form and could make it a tough race. Box all three in swingers and trifectas.
Both Girl Of Tregunter and Dowser have shown smooth cruising ability.
