French jockey Mickaëlle Michel continues to make headlines in South Africa following her historic Grade 1 victory aboard Star Major in the Daily News 2000. She heads to Thursday’s Turffontein Inside meeting with another strong book of rides and realistic prospects of adding further success.
Champion sire Vercingetorix could also dominate the card, with two of his offspring holding leading claims in the opening races.
Race 1 sees Snowblade emerge as a standout contender. The Mike Azzie-trained juvenile caught the eye on debut when finishing second over 1000m despite drifting to 25-1 in the betting. He finished strongly and shapes as though the step up to 1600m will suit perfectly. Rachel Venniker’s 1.5kg claim further enhances his chances and natural improvement could be enough to see him break through.
Another Vercingetorix runner, Feast Of Berries, looks poised to improve sharply in race 2. The Mike and Mathew de Kock-trained filly showed promise when fourth on debut over 1160m and now steps up to 1600m. Her pedigree strongly suggests the extra distance will suit, with her dam Redberry Lane a multiple winner over the trip, including the Grade 1 Garden Province Stakes.
Michel’s strongest ride may come in race 4 aboard Future Gamble. The progressive James Crawford-trained daughter of Futura seeks a fourth consecutive victory over 2000m after an impressive four-length win against male rivals. Michel has partnered the filly to two victories already and, despite an eight-point penalty, the manner of her latest success suggests she remains ahead of the handicapper. With Crawford’s stable in top form and Michel riding with confidence, another win looks within reach.
Michel could complete a double in race 7 on Power Of Pearls. The Candice and Tammy Dawson-trained filly opened her account over the Durban Polytrack last month and now enters handicap company off what appears a workable mark. Her previous Turffontein form is solid, the 1000m trip suits, and Michel’s claim adds further value.
National jockeys’ championship leader Craig Zackey is also expected to feature prominently. He has strong claims aboard Falconfly in race 5 and Ringa Ringa Roses in race 8, both trained by Lucky Houdalakis. The stable could easily emerge with a double of its own on a card where Michel, Zackey and the offspring of Vercingetorix are likely to command most of the attention.
Clive Robinson
