Star rider Richard Fourie was seen at his very best when getting Lunar Halo first past the post in the Dahlia Stakes over Fairview Polytrack last month and punters will be hoping it will be more of the same on Friday on the turf track at Fairview.
It was narrow thing that day as Lunar Halo caught Justin Snaith-trained rival Golden Sickle on the post and won by a head.
It was the second time those rivals had met as in February at Kenilworth it was Fourie aboard Golden Sickle who was 0.75 lengths ahead over the 1200m when they finished third and fourth behind The Charleston.
They meet again over 1400m on the turf this time in the Listed Lady’s Slipper Stakes over 1400m and it should be an intriguing affair as there are at least two others who come into the race with a chance.
Trainer Gavin Smith has had more than his fair share of juvenile winners this season and filly Idita was well backed when winning on debut.
The Visionaire filly then met Lunar Halo in March and was two lengths behind her at the finish.
Idita is likely to be both fitter and smarter this time around so should, in theory, get closer to Lunar Halo.
Trainer Alan Greeff has back-up to his star filly Lunar Halo in the form of stable companions Joy And Peace and Summer Odyssey. Joy And peace was a well-backed debut winner and was also seen to be making good progress at the finish when third – and not far behind – both Lunar Halo and Golden Sickle last time out.
This Master Of My Fate filly should relish the 1400m trip.
Summer Odyssey has been recently beaten on two occasions by Lunar Halo but was not too far away at the line and is bred to go further so can earn some more money.
Clive Robinson
