Turffontein’s Standside track hosts one of the strongest Highveld meetings of the winter on Sunday, featuring a quality 10-race programme headed by the Grade 3 Sea Cottage Stakes and three competitive Pinnacle Stakes contests.
Several leading stables hold strong hands throughout the afternoon. Trainers Tony Peter, Sean Tarry, and Candice and Tammy Dawson all have realistic prospects of doubles, while recently returned jockey Kabelo Matsunyane looks well placed to make an immediate impact. The standout betting proposition, however, appears to be Joe Soma’s progressive Errol Flynn, who bids to complete a hat-trick in the final leg of the 4Racing Highveld Three-Year-Old Winter Series.
Tony Peter could strike early in the Work Riders’ maiden (Race 1) with Star Magnolia. The daughter of Danon Platina improved significantly when fitted with earmuffs to finish second over 1200m, and the addition of pacifiers may help her shed her maiden tag.
The Dawson stable looks to have a leading chance in Race 2 with Enflame. The Irish Flame gelding is easy to forgive after struggling in Grade 3 company at Greyville and should be far more effective back on Turffontein’s galloping Standside track against easier opposition.
Sean Tarry’s Secret Fate can regain the winning thread in Race 3. The Master Of My Fate filly lost her unbeaten record when second over this course and distance but now meets Queen Leila on 2kg better terms. With Matsunyane aboard, she has every chance of reversing the result.
The opening leg of the Place Accumulator features another strong Dawson contender in Expert Witness. The well-bred Hawwaam colt improved sharply from his debut to finish second over 1600m and should appreciate the return to the Standside course. Craig Zackey takes the ride.
The Grade 3 Sea Cottage Stakes centres on Errol Flynn, unbeaten since blinkers were applied. His victory in the Egoli Mile, the second leg of the Winter Series, suggested he would relish stepping up to 1800m after finishing powerfully from midfield. With Keagan de Melo retaining the ride, he shapes as one of the best bets on the programme.
Race 8 offers Peter and Matsunyane another strong opportunity with Taxi To The Moon. Since being gelded, the son of Vercingetorix has won four of eight starts and was narrowly successful in the Grade 2 Golden Horse Sprint. Despite a three-point ratings rise, he remains progressive and can continue his winning run.
Tarry may also finish the day strongly with last-start winners Warning Sound (Race 9) and War Reporter (Race 10). Both have earlier engagements during the week, but if they line up on Sunday, they will command plenty of respect and could complete a stable double.
Clive Robinson
