Clive Robinson
Sunday sees the first of KwaZulu-Natal’s juvenile races of the season and these are always good fun but more importantly races its where good profits can be made, especially when the betting support comes.
In Race 1, a scurry over 800m, trainer Mike Miller (who has a great record in juvenile contests) sends out five runners and sounds particularly bullish about Sovereign Grant. He has commented positively on all of his charges, but that Sovereign Grant is one very smart filly.
However, the pedigrees of Teerex and Riverstone are also loaded with quality and the betting needs to be closely watched. Teerex runs for Kom Naidoo who is also a dab hand at preparing precocious youngsters for their debuts and he may have a distinct advantage of having the best of the draws.
Gavin Van Zyl is the conditioner of Riverstone who is a half-brother to Grade 2 winner Firealley.
In Race 2, a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1200m, there could well be a bit of value about the chances of Cinnamon Blush. She is one to be wary of as she misbehaves and probably runs out of energy as a result, but she didn’t play up after a rest last time and perhaps her yard have worked her out.
She will strip fitter and has taken up what is usually the best gate – stall No 1 – at Hollywoodbets Scottsville especially if the track is running fast.
Daddy’s Jet surprised her connections running into the money on debut at odds of 40-1 and she may jump a false favourite today.
Professional players will go with Swingers and Exactas in Race 3 as Fortune Bay and Rock N Roll Girl stand head and shoulders above the other raced runners on form, and they should fight it out.
The best race on the day comes up in Race 5 a Pinnacle Plate over 1100m, which boasts a fantastic line up. Captain Fontane who was touted as one of the best around earlier on his career after he won his first four in a row in style.
He is back, and after having no luck in his last two with fast-finishing seconds, can finally get back to winning ways for the Garth Puller yard, a stable that has been in terrific form of late.
