| Ante post betting requires a long-term vision and knowing the scheduled plans of horses far out from their intended races. Sometimes careers unfold as a smooth and predictable progression, but much can change as unheralded horses suddenly step up to reveal their true abilities, or alternatively the seemingly good ones may bomb out.
I did a TV gig with Andrew Bon in early October to be flighted on Telly track this week attempting to preview the upcoming Cape season – a difficult undertaking months in advance, given how horses can improve dramatically or else fall by the wayside.
Some of those mentioned in the show stepped out at Kenilworth on Saturday and shone brightly as expected – others had their limitations exposed. Equus champ, Legal Eagle (speed score 113) again strutted his excellence in the Green Point Stakes beating off Edict of Nantes (s/s 112) Captain America (s/s 111) and Gold Standard (s/s 109) as they all confirmed or boosted their high-class records. Legal Eagle is a perfect seven from seven over 1600m, and a true South African champion repeatedly scoring figs in the 112 – 116 range.
Snowdance, a hidden gem a few months ago after being beaten by Elusive Heart in mid-September at her second start, has since been unstoppable winning the Classic and Saturday’s Grade 1 Fillies Guineas by steeplechase margins. Yesterday she attained a figure of 104+, and jockey, Bernard Fayd’Herbe’s pre-race comparison with the great, Sun Classique, saying that “I have not sat on a filly like this for a very long time…” seems spot on. Oh Susanna and Fresnaye got 98’s with Magical Wonderland not seeing out the mile, as feared, and caving in late.
Silicone Valley (s/s 106) is such a brave horse and the seven-year-old got deserved recognition when winning the Grade 2 Merchants. Glen Puller has to be commended for his horsemanship in constantly patching up this fickle son of Jay Peg, who ran second in this race last year and was coming off a sterling try in the Matchem behind Our Mate Art. He just snuck past Dutch Philip (s/s 104 +) who is a top-class youngster that will have a dip at the Guineas, but may actually be best over the short cuts. Defending champ Search Party, who clashed memorably with Bull Valley last term, was not a factor this time and finished mid-pack.
Earlier, some other smart three-year-olds clashed with Kasimir (s/s 98 +) just holding off Speedpoint (s/s 97) and Mujaafy (s/s 96). Unfortunately, Valedictorian (s/s 91) was reported to have bled during the race. Vaughan Marshall’s runner who sauntered in at his only previous start back in February, carries a big reputation, and but for that physical problem may have proved more dangerous. Such are the vagaries of dealing with flesh and blood creatures. |
