Zubbadubbadoo and Corne Orffer – doing the winning thing for the Flaming Flamingo’s
The diehard punting brigade will probably hardly notice that there isn’t a solitary feature race on the national racing programme this weekend. But a feelgood fairytale brightens the Kenilworth card on Saturday, where the rampant ‘charity champion’ Zubbadubbadoo goes for his fifth straight victory when contesting an MR 95 Handicap over the 1200m straight.
Brett Crawford saddles the charity champ
Trainer’s wife Jill Crawford and her Flaming Flamingo’s couldn’t have imagined in their wildest dreams, when they raised their hands in a celebratory champagne and oyster infused cloud just two years ago, that they would be proudly racing a horse who looks destined for better things – and a winner of 4 of his 5 outings to date!
The very progressive 4yo Zubbadubbadoo has won three times over the course and distance and bounced back from a ten week break to beat Captain Blackwater by a half length last time.
He meets the Snaith speedster on a half kilo worse terms – but he looks likely to step up to the plate again.
Based on earlier form, there should be little between the two.
The Vaughan Marshall yard appears to have regained their form and the classy Exelero returns to action after a 17 week break following his Gauteng campaign where he won once from three starts.
The son of Western Winter has not quite fulfilled his early promise, but is no slouch – even though fitness favours Zubbadubbadoo.
Grant Van Niekerk – rides Sail For Gold
Mike Bass’ multiple stakes placed Sail For Gold is a class galloper but this looks on the short side – unless it comes up heavy.
Vaughan Marshall’s four-time winner Halfmoon Hotel is in modest form at the moment and returns from a ten week break following a virus.
He ran some decent races to fair sorts at this time last year and could bounce back fresh and give the quartet a lift.
Prince Jazeem is new SA champion trainer Sean Tarry’s first runner of his recently announced early Cape summer campaign.
The 7yo son of Toreador took no interest on the Vaal sand last time and wears blinkers for the first time. He looks unlikely at his first Cape outing.
Paddy Kruyer’s Global Destiny ran a cracker over a distance considered way short of his best after a seven month break, when finishing under a length third behind Captain Blackwater last Saturday.
He is 1,5kgs better off with the Snaith runner and will prefer the extra 200m – but needs to prove that that run was no flash in the proverbial pan.
Playingtheenemy carries a paperweight 48kgs
Darryl Hodgson’s Playingtheenemy carries a paperweight 48kgs courtesy of apprentice Brandon May, but his regular pilot Greg Cheyne has said in the past that he is quite a difficult ride. If he can get away and be allowed to bowl out front, he could be a dark horse.
His stablemate Winter Trade returns from a ten week break and is likely to need the run.
Zubbadubbadoo looks the business and he is expected to step up again and show that he is destined for better things.
His major opposition could come from the classy Exelero and the very consistent Captain Blackwater.
