Michael Roberts will have bigger fish to fry with Viking Leader as the season progresses, but he can make his seasonal debut a winning one when he lines up in the Middle Stakes, which kicks off the Pick 6 on the turf at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Friday evening.
Viking Leader surprised in the Gr3 Gatecrasher Stakes, starting at 40-1 and beating subsequent Gr1 runner-up Kazenoyoni. Although he has not raced since June, Roberts has booked 2.5kg-claiming apprentice Divesh Ramkhalawon and the gelding is the class act. Kelin Karoo has been consistent since arriving in KZN and should be competitive, while Nordic Chief is suited by the course and distance. Claw has been improving and was narrowly beaten last time.
The fourth race is a competitive handicap. Banff has not been far back in two starts for his new stable and now takes on slightly weaker opposition. Best Of All is better than his latest effort and remains lightly raced, while Magic Surprise was finishing strongly last time and gets the best of the draw. Mpaka is in excellent form and has won over course and distance, although he is rising in the handicap.
In the opener, One Pepper was scratched last Monday after a rain-interrupted preparation. He was unlucky last time and can make amends. Major League improved with his second run and should benefit from the extra distance. Good Omen is struggling to win his maiden but remains competitive and could finally get his chance with a claiming apprentice aboard.
In the first Pick 6 leg, Blue Lagoon made a promising local debut over a shorter trip and has solid Cape form. Greek Heritage won well second time out and looks progressive, while Thought Control bids for a hat-trick despite a five-point handicap rise. The 4kg claim of Elrico Sesingi could help. Show Girl, lightly raced and with two runs back from a break, is another for the exotics.
The fifth is another tricky handicap. Red Dawn makes his local debut with useful Cape form and could be well handicapped with the blinkers back on. Twocantango should appreciate returning to the turf, while Heaven’s Will has a light weight and a favourable draw.
The sixth is wide open. Rahhabba has been consistent in KZN and has won over this distance. Kubu was close behind her when they last met and should be competitive again. Miss Twinkle and Swiatek also warrant inclusion.
In the seventh, Next Of Kin won well over course and distance last time and has only a five-point rise. Red Mountain is improving, while front-runner Gardener’s Pride could be dangerous if allowed to dictate.
Finally, Tunguska can follow up despite the wide draw. Day Two has been in good form and was close to Tunguska over this course and distance previously. No Pressure has won his last two on the poly but faces a handicap rise. Mike’s Mazarin could improve over the longer trip.
