On best form, King Of Pain could regain winning ways
It never ceases to amaze. Last year KZN-racing opened the Oaks and Derby (even renaming the latter race!) to 4 and 5yo’s, this year the Drill Hall Stakes is no longer at pure weight-for-age, but for the first time in its history has conditions attached. Just why South Africa needs to sink further into the quagmire is anyone’s guess.
The Graded Races committee, which operates without apparent accountability, ought to be transparent in its doings and explain the thinking. Whoever its members may be. The Racing Bureau clearly has no idea, since its final fields report still shows the race to be for ‘ Horses at Weight-For-Age’.
The 1400m Drill Hall has always been one of the entertaining events of the winter season. Past results throw up interesting pointers. Like you don’t have to be drawn well to do well. You can come from any position – Beach Beauty won the last two years, racing handy; prior to that four of the five winners came from off the pace. Class counts more than distance suitability in this extended sprint. Fancied horses tend to make it to the winner’s box, even though longer priced horses often fill the places. And one thing’s for sure: the pace will be strong, and the race true-run – if the going is good, expect under 84 seconds.
Legislate may need it
Last season’s Horse of the Year Legislate aims to resurrect his reputation after a disappointing Cape season, reportedly plagued by problems. His only big-race run was in the Queen’s Plate, for which he was odds-on favourite. In a very false run race, decided in a sprint home, he didn’t settle and finished ninth. Much will depend on his race-readiness, but even if he is fully tuned up he won’t have things all his own way.
Mike Bass saddles five of the twelve runners. Highest merit-rated of the quintet is Helderberg Blue, whose most recent run was in the J&B Met, another of Cape features run at a very false pace and decided in a sprint home. It remains to be seen whether his third place there was a true reflection of affairs. His stable companion Ashton Park was sent to Gauteng after the Cape season. He ran a close third to Chekilli there, over 1400m, retaining his useful Cape form.
Bass also saddles Night Trip, who has a habit of missing the break, spoiling his chances. If he jumps on terms he’s not without a chance, although his race-fitness must be taken on trust. The other two stable companions are Mountain Master and Ze Kaiser, both of whom look to have fairly stiff tasks.
Chekilli winning the 2015 Hawaii Stakes
Alec Laird comes with two runners. Chekilli followed two wins over 1400m in Gauteng (both in February) with a good effort last time out in a sprint. He usually sets the pace and will have to make an early effort here, drawn widest of all at twelve. Should he manage to take an early lead he’ll be dangerous. His stablemate Bouclette Top showed his wellbeing with a useful third to Captain America over a mile at Turffontein last time out, following a win the time before, where he raced with the pace. He seems likely to try and follow similar tactics here.
King Of Pain had a long break following his last winter campaign, running once in the Cape during the summer. He finished third to Ze Kaiser there over a mile, beaten some two lengths. He meets that opponent on 6kg better terms here. King Of Pain’s next intended outing was in Gauteng, in the race won by Captain America, but fell lame and did not run. He should have a big chance here if all’s well fitness-wise.
Ice Machine – chance if returns to best ability
The big question mark in the race is Ice Machine . He was off the track from June last year to March, making a decent return running second over 1400m at Scottsville, behind Power King. Anton Marcus retains the ride. If Ice Machine can regain his former best ability he may well be the one to beat.
Sabadell showed good form in Gauteng, winning over a mile in February to score a career best rating with us. He subsequent effort is probably best ignored, as he was found to be coughing and not ridden out in the race won by Chekilli.
That leaves Cape visitor Tiger Tiger, quite a consistent performer, but who hasn’t won in ages.
In summary, a tricky race given the suspect fitness of several highly rated contenders. Without any confidence we pick Ice Machine and King Of Pain as first choices. Not a race to go short in.
