The notion of supporting horses from in -form stables is sound. Trainers get on hot streaks where everything clicks neatly into place. Conversely, some barns, even the big ones, can go through cold spells when their horses underperform.
The reasons behind this are many-fold. Amongst the multiple factors which influence training results are changed conditioning regimes; a switch in feed; appointment of a different vet; shifting condition of the work out facilities; a new alliance with a skilled and dedicated jockey who provides sharp feedback; timing of vaccinations or adding better facilities such as treadmills or swimming pools.
Some trainers target different periods of the season for their charges to peak. The high-profile yards aim for better endowed Stakes races and get optimal performances out of their runners in high season, but lesser trainers may focus attention during off-peak periods when the opposition is less daunting.
Robbie Sage is a very shrewd Highveld operator, and the experienced horseman produced Quantum Theory (speed score 102, has run a career top of 105) to win the headliner at Turffontein on Saturday. It was a close-run thing as heavily backed Anfield’s Rocket looked likely to land a big gamble, only succumbing late to Quantum Theory’s sustained rally.
Sage’s stable has been doing well lately and Quantum Theory shows a seasonal preference for this time of year. He was by no means an obvious pick, as his recent runs had been quite ordinary, but punters following the stable- in- form maxim, might have landed on, or at least, included, the resurgent 17/1 winner.
Other notable speed scores were produced by Meridius (s/s 98 +, has run 105 at best) and Max the Magician (s/s 96, has a peak score of 101).
The Equus Awards will be staged on Thursday evening in Cape Town. Next weekend’s column will showcase winners from each category with their best speed figures provided. This provides important context and reveals what it takes to rate as excellent in SA horse racing.