Clive Robinson
Despite having a limited number of horses under his care, the Eastern Cape based trainer Duncan McKenzie must be well pleased at how the current season is panning out for him.
His eight winners from 55 horses saddled gives him a win strike rate of 14,5 percent, and that could be improved further on Friday at Fairview in Gqeberha when Mlabeni and Princess Debs are carded to race again.
Mhlabeni arrived at Duncan’s yard a maiden and he is now a five-time winner, with four of those wins coming in his last eight starts.
This Elusive Fort gelding was rated a lowly 68 in April this year and has progressed to a current mark of 88. Although this mark is the highest of his career, he has been improving rapidly recently so it is not out of range that he could climb the ratings ladder even further.
Jockey Chase Maujean will be aboard him for the first time, but as a ‘stranger’, he should have no problems controlling Mhlabeni, as the horse does appear an easy ride.
Only Luyolo Mxothwa has scored twice on him, with his others wins coming with Ryan Munger, Warren Kennedy, and Robert Khathi in the saddle. Munger and Kennedy both scored with Mhlabeni when paired up for the first time.
Princess Deb’s only began racing in February and has four wins to her name after just nine starts.
She is clearly capable of throwing in a bad run every now and then but it is worth noting that current rider Louis Mxothwa was successful both times he was aboard her.
Even the wide draw, jumping from gate 12, may not be enough to stop her from running another big race.
