Saturday’s nine-race Inside track programme at Turffontein offers plenty of betting possibilities, with potential doubles for jockeys Gavin Lerena and Calvin Habib, while trainers Tony Peter and Johan Janse van Vuuren have several runners capable of making their presence felt.
The Betway-sponsored Listed Spring Spree Stakes over 1200m is the headline event in Race 7, where Paul Matchett’s Erupt gelding Karate Kid could prove the one to beat. He has the profile to acquit himself well at Listed level and, with a solid pace expected, Blaine Marx-Jacobson could have the right mount to strike when it counts.
The supporting Betway-sponsored The Lady Stakes over 1200m in Race 6 sees Tony Peter throw three chances into the mix. However, punters looking beyond the obvious stable strength may be rewarded by siding with Blizzard Snow, who has drawn gate No 6 for Kobeli James Lihaba.
The Erupt filly has raced three times over this course and distance, winning once and finishing outside the first two only once. She was asked to take on male opposition last time, having previously scored over this track and trip. A repeat of that winning effort from just a two-point higher rating would make her a serious player.
Earlier, in Race 5, stablemate Jack’s Legacy makes her handicap debut over 1200m after opening her account over 1160m on the Standside track. Kabelo Matsunyane retains the ride and further improvement would come as no surprise.
Lerena looks well placed to bag a double, beginning with Stuart Pettigrew-trained Rafeef’s Queen in Race 2 over 1200m. The three-year-old filly has finished runner-up in her last two starts, including a second over this distance, and will not need to find much extra to convert consistency into a first victory. The booking of the former champion rider is an obvious positive.
Lerena returns in Race 8 aboard Van Vuuren-trained Social Graces. The three-year-old daughter of Rafeef won over 1000m on debut before finishing a creditable second over 1100m last month. She conceded 3kg to the winner and was beaten only 1½ lengths, while the fourth-placed runner has since franked the form by winning. There is plenty to like about her prospects.
Habib also has a realistic shot at a double, starting with Two Tigers in Race 1 before partnering Clinton Binda’s progressive Whatsdamatterwithu in Race 3 over 1000m.
The latter is particularly intriguing. The Fire Away gelding has won both starts since being gelded, both over 1160m, and has shown enough natural speed to suggest the sharper 1000m on the Inside track could suit. A favourable No 3 draw is another plus, and a hat-trick bid looks well within his compass.
Clive Robinson
