Whilst big things are happening in the Northern Hemisphere at York (witness wins by stars Enable, Bataash and Japan), Saratoga in the US and in France, August is typically a low-key month in South African racing. This follows the end of season awards and with horses having an easier time of it upon receiving their required vaccinations. Trainers and stable staff may also take short breaks and the program is less cluttered. This slight hiatus does not rule out racing highlights though – one of the great things of this game is that every day brings with it the possibility of unveiling new talent.
For example, Missisippi Burning earned a fine speed score of 97 when winning her Maiden over 1000m at Kenilworth and is worth following. She swept past pacemaker What a Lover (an encouraging debut at long odds) and Queen of Quiet (s/s 86) in a fluent manner, suggesting the capability of multiple wins. She is by the late-lamented sire, Captain Al and trained by Adam Marcus, maintaining an impressive strike rate out of his Milnerton base.
Champion apprentice in the Western Cape, Sandile Mbele continues to impress. Some experienced observers have given him the thumbs up based on his general demeanor and riding technique. Even though his current stats are a bit low at around 7% winners to mounts, he currently offers definite wagering value by getting horses to outrun their odds.
He held sprinting filly Chilly Winter together when going start to finish in Race 7, then rounded off the meet with an immediate double, making a decisive rails ride on 10/1 shot Blackbeard (s/s 97) This gelding woke up second time blinkers and after a two months freshening to boost the P6 dividend.
Only To Win (s/s 92) received spirited support in early trade on Interbet and did the business at Turffontein for Mike de Kock who earlier unveiled yet another Vercingetorix baby that can scuttle, called Marshall.
Other respectable scores were recorded by the mare, Animal Lover (s/s 91) and six year-old gelding, Mount Keith (s/s 90) with the latter coming to light again precisely a year since his last victory.
Its uncanny how some horses seem to possess seasonal patterns, rounding into form at the same time each year. Searching way back in the past performances can reveal useful form nuggets that a limited focus on recent runs overlooks.