Trainer Johan Janse van Vuuren goes for his third successive victory in today’s R400 000 Gr2 Colorado King Stakes.
He saddles the super consistent Girl On The Run, who ran a fair fifth in the 2017 Sansui Summer Cup in mixed company.
Yelllowwood winner Girl On The Run
That was a handicap and this may be a bit tougher at weight-for-age plus penalties. But Girl On The Run showed she can mix it with the males when winning the Gr3 Victory Moon Stakes in the Summer Cup run-up. But she takes on some class males.
Abashiri – long time without a win
Top rated amongst those is Abashiri, who has not won a race since eclipsing the SA Triple Crown in April 2016.
Corne Orffer appeared to get some life out of the 5yo when he ran on steadily behind Cascapedia in the London News Stakes at his last outing. That was 11 weeks ago and Mike and Adam Azzie would love nothing more than to win a race with the newsmaking son of Go Deputy. Corne Orffer makes the trip from Cape Town to ride him again.
The dual Gr1 winner French Navy has not won in over two years and rising 7 years of age, he is a difficult fellow to risk the rent money on. That said, he did run a fair third in this race behind Brazuca last year and has not had any travelling since going unplaced in the July last year. If anything, he could need the outing after an 11 week absence.
Fort Ember is poorly drawn
The 2017 Sansui Summer Cup runner-up Fort Ember is always a dangerous pace merchant. The daughter of Elusive Fort was just run out of it late by Orchid Island last time and can play a role again – even from the worst draw.
The ever game Coral Fever put a quiet Sun Met run behind him with a staunch effort when chasing Will Pays home In the Gr2 Hawaii Stakes in early March. The son of Judpot will relish the increase in trip and comes into the picture on his best performances.
Tambalang won a courageouus race last time
Second of the Tarry trio, the recent Listed Aquanaut Handicap winner Tambalang is ridden by Lyle Hewitson, who appears to be getting the pick of the Tarry stable rides these days. The daughter of Go Deputy takes a jump in class.
Former Sean Tarry charge Finchatton is now with Gokhan Terzi but lacks current form.
Social Order was an impressive winner of the Gr3 Kings Cup at Greyville on Sunday. He has had a lot of travelling in a short space of time, but has the credentials if recovered from those exertions.
Social Order won the Kings Cup last weekend
Wind Chill is one of a quartet of fairer sex representatives in the field. She showed some enthusiasm at her first run back from the Cape last time when fourth beaten a length by Orchid Island. She has to do more to win here – but Piere Strydom is always a value add.
A decent race in the offing. Abashiri could finally claw his way back to some respectability. Coral Fever, French Navy, Fort Ember and Social Order could be next best.
