Varlo (speed figure 105) caused a 40-1 shock when edging out Asstar (s/s 105) in the Need for Speed Sprint at Kenilworth on Saturday. The consistent Olympian (s/s 103) was close up in third and all of these promising youngsters should go on to enjoy productive careers.
Cold as Ice (s/s 100+) was a universal banker in exotic perms and duly romped in the Laisserfaire Stakes at the same meeting. She is a high class filly able to accelerate through the gears and is particularly well suited to extended sprints.
Captain Of All won a falsely run Diadem Stakes, gamely holding off Copper Parade, as the favourite Fly By Night got through late for third after being blocked on the outside. Trainer Dennis Drier’s skill must be acknowledged for bringing Captain Of All back to best, after some physical issues threatened to torpedo this high class son of Captain Al’s career.
There has been plenty of rain about up North, leading to a course switch from Turffontein to the Vaal for Saturday’s Highveld meeting. Wisdom Stone (s/s 97) loves the slush and handled the step up in class to win a MR 80 handicap. Then in the following race, re-treaded PE gelding Mod Barley (s/s 99?) won a competitive handicap and should hold his own at a higher grade, especially if it comes up mud. Highest score on the day went to Victory Cruise (s/s 101) – an erratic campaigner, but one that can scuttle when feeling good.
Appreciating returning to his preferred turf course, Fourth Estate (s/s 99) won the Christmas Handicap at Greyville on Friday night, taking advantage of the inside gate. Jockey Alex Forbes does not get to ride him often, but has now recorded two wins and a second when mounting this seven year old Dynasty gelding, who still has a spring in his stride.
That’s a wrap for this year – all the best for Interbet punters into 2015, filled with plenty of winning bets!