Regular bettors know that at every race meeting, there are usually a few waves that shipwreck even the most solid of runners.
On Thursday 27 April, Stormy Seas could just be the one to bring punters safely into the harbour.
Trained by Roy Magner, this Time Thief-gelding has been in prolific form lately, recording a fourth career win as well as two place finishes in his last three runs.
He lines up in Race 5, a MR74 Handicap over 1000m on the difficult Turffontein Inside track.
Stormy Seas is no stranger to this track, having been in action there six times, but without success to date.
His last two runs over this course and distance saw him finish second and fourth respectively, never beaten more than 1,65-lengths. On both those occasions, however, he jumped from gate 8, forcing him to sit at the back, then launching a late charge over the business end of the race.
This time round, Stormy Seas has drawn pole position, which should allow him to find a much handier position from the word go and not leave him hoping for a strong wind in his sails heading for home.
Interestingly, he is a very fast finisher but has not had the benefit of a good draw when racing around a turn recently.
With Muzi Yeni in the saddle, and perhaps a more aggressive approach when the gates crash open, he looks to ride the wave all the way to the beach.
In Race 7, a Class A Pinnacle Stakes over 1450m, Captain Peg is another sailor with winning credentials.
This Jay Peg-filly won her first four outings, three over this course and distance, after which she seemed to hit a headwind which collapsed her sails completely.
Last time out, however, she popped back to winning ways and it won’t come as a surprise if she goes on another winning streak.
Trained by Stuart Pettigrew, she will have Diego de Gouveia back in the saddle, the jockey who rode her to her first three career wins.
She does take on some strong contenders, including males, but looks well weighted here.
Clive Robinson
