Sprinters were the main focus of attention this past weekend with some good performances being noted. Sniper Shot (speed figure 105) won the Grade 2 Post Merchants, producing a well-timed finish to get past Black Cat Back (s/s 104) who is one of the most reliable, pace-pressing horses around.
Sniper Shot is a real credit to the diligence of trainer Paul Lafferty, erudite host of the entertaining Winning Ways racing show. The Judpot gelding, bred by Birch Brothers, revealed talent at the start of his career, then battled to assert on a Cape foray, before really coming to light since being gelded and returning to KZN. Sniper Shot has reeled off escalating figs of 100, 103 and now 105, in distances between 1200 and 1600m.
Old stager Tevez (s/s 100) still has some life in him. Now rising nine, he loved the slush at Kenilworth, and impressed jock Bernard Fayd Herbe with his quickening burst of 22.9 seconds for the final 400. The son of Caesour has a distinct form pattern – needing his first run after a rest to sharpen up, then repeatedly delivering a peak effort second up. He’s won five times and barely missed a place from 11 tries according to that pattern.
Juan Two Three (s/s 99) is another sterling type still proving hard to beat over the short cuts. He battles with unsoundness, yet his record is remarkably dependable. The son of Var has won ten times, whilst finishing in the money at nearly 80% of his starts. Consistency is an admirable virtue, and PE punters that have leaned heavily on Juan Two Three when putting together their plays are usually rewarded.