KZN trainer Wendy Whitehead steps into the Turffontein bull-ring today to contest the R450 000 Gr2 Merchants where she takes on the big guns with a son of the Bush Hill stallion, Curved Ball.
Wendy and Hard To Play (Pic: Candiese Marnewick)
The participation of Ms Whitehead and 2015 July winning jockey Stuart Randolph, a largely unheralded duo in this arena, adds plenty of interest.
The Dr Ian Heyns bred Hard To Play, apparently a duplicate in looks of his sire Curved Ball who is the first son of Fastnet Rock to stand at stud in South Africa, has an outstanding temperament and a smart record in the lesser climes of his home province where he has won 5 of his 12 starts – including a commendable level weights 3,35 length fourth to rising Gr1 star, Undercover Agent, in the Byerley Turk.
Hard To Play – could surprise them today
A relaxed galloper who likes to be switched off for a run, Hard To Play could enjoy flying at them off the highly charged pace of the Turffontein 1160m – if not run off his feet.
One horse who won’t have any issues with speed is recent Golden Loom winner Rivarine, who made a timeous return to best after a 44 day break last time out. The Lebelo Sprint winner gets the services of Gavin Lerena again and must surely be involved in the finish.
Rivarine has hit form at the right time!
The exciting 4yo Captain And Master is one of a Sean Tarry quartet and with the services of Piere Strydom could play a part in the finish. The one worry is his being possibly outpaced as he drops in trip but he has shown good ability and cannot be underestimated.
Hailing from Ashburton, the progressive Procal Harum has hit good form and takes a jump in class. Duncan Howells is a conservative trainer who would not be taking on the locals were he to believe he could not beat them.
KZN Challenger Procal Harum – steps up
The 7yo Isphan looks held by Rivarine on their Golden Loom clash.
Pure Blonde returns from a 24 week break and is likely to need the run,
The Sean Tarry duo of Africa Rising and Wonderwall are both capable on their day and could threaten for quartet money with a bit of luck on their side.
Rose In Bloom has found good form in Joburg
Cape summer bridesmaid Rose In Bloom has blossomed in Gauteng and is a winner of two of her last three starts, She won the Gardenia Stakes last time but has more to do in this mixed company.
Romi’s Boy has been rested 21 weeks and is likely to need it.
Clever Guy showed pace when finishing third behind Legal Eagle last time out but generally does not appear to have the credentials to take the big guns on.
Captain’s Causeway has no recent form to recommend him.
Down To Zero looks well held by Procal Harum on their last start and, while a dual course and distance winner, will need to lift his game to win this.
Champagne Haze has the ability but has been off form for some time now.
Pinnacle Peak – set to carry top weight
Pinnacle Peak showed dual SA Horse Of The Year Legal Eagle plenty of cheek over the course and distance two weeks ago but has risen quickly in the ratings since winning the Man O War Sprint back in April and has a big task here.
Another tricky handicap on a tough day at the office. Rivarine has been threatening to win a few more and impressed in the Golden Loom. Hard To Play could being his KZN form to the party.
