"He is a smart horse and will run well," was the succint preview from trainer Joey Ramsden prior to Table Bay (speed score 103 +) obliterating rivals in the Cape Classic. It was an imposing performance - after racing handy he kicked clear of the field down the straight to win by a wide margin.
Master 'n Commander (speed figure 104) has endured a chequered career, regularly placing but not winning as often as expected. He's trying to rectify that problem by clinching his fourth career win from 16 starts at Turffontein on Saturday over the inconsistent Moofeed. He can enjoy a productive spring season if duplicating that score. Mike
Roy's Magic (speed score 97) is making smart progress and he defeated another promising youngster My Pal Al (s/s 97) in the KZN three year old Series at Scottsville on Sunday. Palladium (s/s 96) was close up for third place and is another worth following as his career develops. Grade 1 winner Gunner had run
"I've known he was good from the start, he can accelerate on a tickey", said Andrew Fortune of Kangaroo Jack, the Highveld sprinter who easily won the Grade 2 Joburg Spring Challenge over 1450m. This was the very smart Querari gelding's fifth win in a row and sixth from 10 starts. It may be tempting
"Last week, Brett Crawford cleaned up in the Cape. This time around Justin Snaith struck a five-timer at Durbanville with four piloted by Richard Fourie, who is riding with panache at present. Very promising, Bishop's Bounty (speed score 97) Pete's Girl (s/s 71) Cock a Hoop (s/s 86) A Time To Dream and Overshadow (s/s 90 +)
Brett Crawford struck with a vengeance at Durbanville, after a quiet spell by his high standards. His four winners included especially promising three year olds, Edict of Nantes (speed figure 88 +) and Boldly Respectable (s/s 98). Both came from off the speed with powerful stretch runs and are worth following. Crawford's easiest winner was
Kangaroo Jack (speed score 101+) is a smart sprinter. He snuck through down the rail to win the Grade 3 Spring Spree Stakes at Turffontein with a minimum of fuss from Angel's Power (s/s 97). He is sure to win races at a higher level during the upcoming Highveld feature season. Myfunnyvalentine (s/s 93) was
London Call (speed score 100) has just turned six yet has only run 10 times due to physical issues. Still, he has won half of those starts, testimony to his raw talent. Sunday's Pinnacle Stakes win at Scottsville was impressive when he raced away from the field after racing handy. Credit to trainer Mark Dixon
The racing during the transitional month of August is of a lower quality than in peak season, but still there are occasional performances to get enthusiastic about. Evening Breeze (s/s 99) alternates shockers with winning runs so was due a better effort on Thursday after a last start fail. The Kahal filly is a smart
The Equus Awards showcase outstanding thoroughbred achievement in South Africa. By way of summarizing the 2015/16 season, here are the National nominees together with the best speed figures they earned during the year under review. HORSE OF THE YEAR: ABASHIRI - 100, 103, 109. LEGAL EAGLE - 105, 112. SMART CALL - 104, 109 +.
