Trainer Mike de Kock has never been afraid to race his best fillies and mares against the boys.
On Thursday 25 April he sends out three-year-old filly Woman Of Power against some strong boys, including four-year-old Grade 3-winner Karangetang, and three-year-old Dreamland, who is aiming to complete a hat-trick.
Woman Of Power, by Vercingetorix out of two-time winner Bang Sue, has an impeccable sprint record, never finishing out of the Quartet in eight races. The only blemish on her record is that last-place finish beginning of the year when tested over 1400m.
Whether the extended distance was not to her liking, is a matter for debate, as she was reportedly not striding out that day and was found to be blowing. She was never in that race from the moment the gates crashed open.
But in her next two starts back over sprint distance she placed well in Class B events.
In Race 5, a MR96 Handicap over 1000m, Woman Of Power has the added advantage of jumping from gate 1, and on the Inside Track in Johannesburg over this distance the draw is of utmost importance.
She has raced around the right-hand Inside course twice before, but has never had the luxury of a plum draw, so jockey Craig Zackey should make the most of this opportunity.
In Race 6, a FM90 Handicap over 1600m, Cape Light will have to overcome a wide draw if she is to add a fourth career win to her resume.
Trained by Robbie Sage, this daughter of Ideal World has never disappointed over the course and distance, recording a win and four place finishes in five outings.
A fast finisher, she shouldn’t be hampered too much by the fact that she will start her campaign from gate 10 under Gavin Lerena.
The Playboy Bomber looks ready to follow up after his maiden win in Race 7, a MR84 Handicap over 1450m.
Alec Laird’s three-year-old has only had three runs, but has been improving in leaps and bounds. The way he demolished the field last time out over the course and distance when scoring his first win, suggests he has a lot more to come.
Diego de Gouveia will be aboard this Lancaster Bomber gelding again.
Clive Robinson
