Greyville staged quality racing on a rain softened surface over the weekend. Pacaya (speed score of 106 +) fought off a late charging Winchester Mansion (s/s 105) in the G2 WSB 1900 to put himself right in the picture for the Durban July.
The Justin Snaith trained entry is very smart and is now fulfilling hitherto unrealized potential – he can conceivably run a number as high as 112 which makes him a principal candidate for the big race.
Rascallion will also be a serious contender. The Vaughan Marshall trained runner is such a brave horse having overcome a bad leg injury; admirably consistent throughout his career despite suffering some tough trips, and his long, smooth stride propelled him to within a length of the top two whilst conceding 8kg’s – 10kg’s. He pulled up sound after the race and would be a deserving G1 victor if he gets the right breaks during the KZN Winter season.
Marshall also saddled 16/1 shot, Look for Hounds (s/s 100) – the only upset winner in a P6 sequence dominated by favorites. The Pathfork gelding dashed between rivals to beat off Strawberry Bear (s/s 99) and Usa’s Hope (s/s 98) in a 1200m Pinnacle Stakes.
5/2 fave, Captain Fontane (s/s 98 +, has run 103) enjoyed stretching out to 1600m in the opening Leg of the P6, and won a strong Pinnacle Stakes over game pacesetter, Russian Rock, with dual Durban July winning veteran Do It Again staying on for third place to show that he still has a spring in his step at 8 years old.