Gary Alexander’s Kahal flyer Champagne Haze is a temperamental fellow on the best of days.
Champagne Haze – can he defy top weight?
But the son of Kahal found his sweetest form to win the Tommy Hotspur Handicap at his last start and has a great opportunity of pulling off the Senor Santa Stakes double under top weight at Turffontein on Saturday.
In a chat with the Sporting Post, Dean Alexander explained that Champagne Haze was only really having a gallop when he burst through late to win the Tommy Hotspur.
Dean Alexander ‘prep has gone well’
“Ideally the 1000m is on the sharp side for him, but he showed his well-being with that run and we couldn’t have hoped for a better prep going into this race. Half of the problem with big races is enjoying a problem free passage in the build-up. And thankfully that has been the case with Champagne Haze,’ he added.
On the question as to why Lyle Hewitson, who had ridden such a cracker to win on him last time, was not aboard this time, Dean was philosophical.
“Look, Lyle knows him well. We would have loved to have him ride him again here. But Lyle enjoys a good relationship with the Sean Tarry yard and he must go where he feels he should be. Chase Maujean has been doing plenty of work at home. He is a decent rider and we will just be hoping the dice rolls our way come Saturday.”
Champagne Haze tops the weights in this merit-rated benchmarked contest, which is always an important prep for the Gr1 Computaform Sprint.
A diverse field of nineteen speedsters are set to face the starter at the 1160m marker.
The treat for the Alexander team is that Champagne Haze loves this time of the year – and many in this field are off form or off the boil.
Talktothestars – not at his best
These include the likes of Graduation Day and Talktothestars – both decent on their day but lacking a tune at the moment.
With the withdrawal of Africa Rising, Lyle Hewitson rides Safe Harbour. It really looks on the sharp side for the good mare.
Stablemate Matador Man finished marginally in front of him in the Hawaii Stakes and this slow starter could find this on the sharp side. He should be staying on.
Green Pepper is one of a trio of fillies in the race. A lightly raced 4yo, she is very quick and Gavin Lerena adds the value.
Another member of the fairer sex, Wrecking Ball was runner-up in the race last year, and is 5kgs better off with Champagne Haze for a five length beating at her last start.
Flashback to 2015 Gr1 SA Nursery – Arabiian Beat is capable!
The 2yo Gr1 winner Arabian Beat has tumbled down the ratings but found form with a smart win in a low-key handicap at the Vaal last time. With just 52kgs to carry, this top-class gelding could be the lurker in the pack if he find his best toe.
Another handily weighted galloper is Cape challenger Professor Brian, from the Joey Ramsden stable. Richard Fourie will take the ride on the 5yo Australian-bred son of Encosta De Lago. He has won six of his 19 starts and with just 52kg on his back warrants respect.
Pure Blonde has good consistent recent form and meets Champagne Haze on 2,5kgs better terms for a 2 length beating in the Tommy Hotspur. The son of Kahal is always thereabouts.
Candice Dawson saddles former Dennis Drier speedster Rocky Valley, who was purchased off the Mayfair Speculators draft at the Shongweni Sale in February. He looks likely to need the run.
Rocky Valley – first run for new owners and new yard
Geoff Woodruff’s Zouaves is an improving 4yo son of Sail From Seattle and has won 3 of his last 4 starts.
Wonderwall and Sir David Baird are a duo of decent 3yo’’s but may find this on the sharp side.
Golden Man has his 61st start on Saturday and looks a touch outclassed.
If things go Champagne Haze’s way, he could register the double. It should be a cavalry charge behind that with chances to a host of runners. A cracking race to watch!
