Jet Force faces a key test in Saturday’s Progress Plate (Race 8, 1400m) at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. After a career-best effort when 1.9 lengths behind Dave The King in the Grade 2 Ridgemont Green Point Stakes, he earned a lofty 115 rating. A disappointing run in the Grade 1 L’Ormarins Kings Plate saw his mark trimmed from 120, but he remains a quality performer. Trainer Des McLachlan has limited options off his rating, and with only three wins to his name, victory here would push him out of Progress Plate company. Stable jockey Grant van Niekerk rides, while stablemates Green Planet and Devil A Saint look outclassed. The question is whether his Green Point run was a peak or a platform.
Powerandtheglory appeals as the main threat. Runner-up at his last two starts, he finished just 0.4 lengths behind former Grade 1 winner Snow Pilot on Met day, receiving 10.5kg. A half-brother to Double Superlative, he lacks that star’s brilliance but is knocking on the door. Captain West has the talent but is hard to trust, while Miss World (light weight, course lover) and promising three-year-old Beware add depth.
Earlier on the card, Epernay (Race 1) showed promise on debut and could improve with a 4kg claim. Iona Castle (Race 2) looks ready to shed her maiden, while Bonelli (Race 3) should go close after a narrow last-start defeat. Lark’s Song (Race 4) can follow up her maiden win. Race 5 is open, with Gravity a tentative pick.
Saachi One (Race 6) is improving and rates highly alongside William’s Woman, while Star World (Race 7) ties in through the same form. In Race 9, Gran Canaria gets the nod in a competitive finale, ahead of several lively challengers.
