Genuine speedball, Pacific Trader won the G1 Computaform Sprint back in May and he returned after being off track since then to sidle to an un-extended victory in a Pinnacle Stakes at Durbanville on Saturday. He has run super-swift figures of 111 and 113 in the past, though was not required to go as quickly (s/s 97 ++) against lesser rivals over the weekend.
Belgarion accelerated past enterprisingly ridden Herodotus in the Listed Settlers Trophy. He is a middle- distance horse with the ability to finish strong and will be a threat in tougher races when Justin Snaith decides to really test his full capacity.
Three year-old, Path of Choice (s/s 97) was an extremely gutsy winner of an interesting handicap earlier on the card. Gelding has made a big difference to his performances – value orientated “shrewdies” backed him ante-post at 14/1 on the basis of a solid previous triumph (s/s 94) over subsequent winner Viva Rio. The son of Pathfork staved off older rival Brandenburg and highly touted contemporary Seventh Gear (S/s 96 +) in a blanket finish. Savvy (s/s 92 +) was also noted running on nicely and can be watched at his next few starts.
Master of My Fate filly, Driving Miss Daisy (s/s 95) produced a powerful run from off the pace to win a FM Handicap. It’s difficult to win sprints around the bend from big number draws and the fast running Durbanville track makes it harder still to come from well back and get there in time. So, the performance of Eric Sands’ filly should be upgraded and she appears to be a plausible candidate for Fillies features.
Scores of 100 or better in Summer are generally required by three year- olds with Classic aspirations. With natural improvement, attaining figures in the mid to high 90’s during Spring is usually a sign of real potential that could lead to triple digit speed scores. Therefore, also keep an eye on Astrix (s/s 94) and Ikigai (s/s 93) who ran encouragingly in a Graduation Plate at Turffontein. They are both sired by highly promising new stallion, Vercingetorix.