Jockey Craig Zackey is on record suggesting that the Tiger Ridge mare Nother Russia is the reason he gets up in the morning. The young rider and the fast ascending De Kock star team up for a big bid in Saturday’s R400 000 Gr2 Ipi Tombe Challenge.
Nother Russia – cracking prep run
Following a ‘refresher’ course with Equine behaviouralist Malan du Toit, and in need of her run after a four month break, she skipped to an easy win over 1400m three weeks ago and set herself up as one of the best bets on Saturday’s card.
Carrying topweight as winners of Gr1’s get a 2kg penalty here, she still looks too good for her ten opponents and has plenty in her favour.
The lovely chestnut Tiger Ridge mare has won 6 of her 11 starts and has always looked way above average. She took on the boys in the Gr1 Premiers Champions Challenge in May this year and was beaten by two really good horses in Deo Juvente and a certain Legal Eagle.
She could be too hot for this lot!
Bella Sonata was outgunned in the Charity Mile when beaten 7 lengths but back in her own company, she is bound to up her game. The high-class daughter of Silvano can win this if things go her way.
Pathfork’s daughter Secret Star was beaten under a length by Nother Russia three weeks ago and looks held by Bella Sonata on her penultimate jump.
Starling Stakes winner She’s A Giver
She’s A Giver looks likely to improve after needing her season opener when beaten close on 16 lengths by Bella Sonata. The daughter of Philanthropist looks far better than her current two-time winner status.
Guns And Roses has won her last five starts and is a Trippi filly going places. She gets the added value of Anton Marcus from the pole position draw and has a massive opportunity to show the world how good she is.
The fast improving Sylvan On Fire has won her last four on the trot and continues to up her game. She faces her biggest test to date.
It looks Nother Russia’s race to lose. Guns And Roses can step up and challenge – she has done little wrong!
