Legal Eagle (speed score 113) delivered another exceptional performance to record a double in the Queens Plate, racing handy then kicking clear to beat a game Captain America (s/s 109) with Sail South (s/s 108) closing from the rear for third. Marinaresco (s/s 107) was no match for the champion on the day but will try do better over the longer SunMet route.
Legal Eagle has now won nine of 15 starts including multiple Grade 1’s. He regularly runs high-class figures in the band between 112 and 116, and his exploits overseas will be followed with interest – apparently, the son of Grey’s Inn is heading off to America after the Met.
Whisky Baron (s/s 112) continues to shorten in the ante-post market for the big race on 28th January. He was most impressive sweeping past Milton (s/s 109) in the Peninsula Handicap with a powerful closing surge. Whisky Baron is a perfect four from four since being gelded and keeps on rising in the official merit ratings. It will be very tough taking on Legal Eagle under the weight conditions of the Sun Met but the son of Manhattan Rain has twice attained speed scores of 112 which put him in the mix as a live contender.
Bela Bela (s/s 103) snuck home in the Paddock Stakes, eking out a narrow decision over Safe Harbour (s/s 103). Back in the ruck, Silver Mountain (s/s 101) Nightingale (s/s 99) Star Express (s/s 99) Final Judgement (s/s 99) and Sail (s/s 98) finished on top of one another. Bela Bela is a leading candidate for the Sun Met at around 6/1 but will need to boost her performance if she is to trouble Legal Eagle, Whisky Baron or Marinaresco.
Rapidly improving three year old filly, Live Life (s/s 92 +) caused a 20/1 upset in Friday’s Sceptre Stakes under an inspired ride from Grant van Niekerk. The Trippi filly hurtled through from stone last to deny Carry On Alice. The short-priced runner up raced handy before caving in late – she has done admirably competing all around the country at the highest level, yet seems to reserve her absolute best when sprinting at Turffontein.