Questions should be answered with the running of this 1400m feature race for 3yo’s today. Most of the twelve hopefuls are lightly raced. Several are unbeaten, some have a string of firsts to their name, many have started at very short odds on previous starts.
Three in a row for 2yo Jiffy, who hopes to take up the winning thread again at three
What’s still missing from their CV’s is just how good they are in the grand scheme of things.
With one exception, the runners meet at level weights. In theory then, the best horse should win. Let’s look at them in card-order, which means in order of their Merit Ratings.
Raymond Danielson rides Jiffy on Saturday
Jiffy was unbeaten as a 2yo, winning three from three. He improved with each of those, showing a good turn of foot, and giving the impression there was much more to come.
Seen in that light his only start as a 3yo was disappointing.
That came after a break of four months in a 1400m handicap at the Vaal. The handicapper had taken no chances and he carried top weight of 61.5kg.
Jiffy drifted in the betting (9/2 to 8/1), was hampered at the start, and never seen with a chance, beaten six lengths.
No doubt that wasn’t a proper reflection of his ability. His connections must think likewise, else he wouldn’t be in this race.
So assuming he can go on from where he left off as a 2yo (or improve on it), the gelding might well be the one to beat. Certainly on ratings he stands out.
Charles Laird – saddles Buffalo Soldier
Marcus & Laird team up with Klawervlei-bred Mayfair-owned Buffalo Soldier.
He was highly tried as a 2yo, showing himself to be a few lengths behind the best.
After a break from July to October he made a winning return, in good style. Our ratings suggest that he’ll have to improve quite a bit on that effort to make it a winning double here.
Aggressive looked very promising when winning his only start as a 2yo.
He was off from May to September, drifted in the betting on his return (33/10 to 6/1), then went on to win nicely. He seems likely to show good improvement on that run’s rating and must have a chance to retain his unbeaten record.
Also unbeaten in two starts is Mike de Kock’s imported Heavenly Blue.
Mike de Kock – Heavenly Blue is unbeaten in two starts
He made his debut as a 2yo at the Vaal over a mile in May, then won again in July over 1400m at this track, by three lengths going away.
The form of that race looks a little suspect, though, so the value of his win must be seen in that light. Still, he started at very short odds both times, suggesting that his homework in the strong stable must have been notable.
The race should show just how good he is.
Doosra made his debut in September, when a well supported second.
Three weeks later, at odds of 4/10, he found the winner’s box without much trouble. He’s another one who could be anything.
Orapa placed at his last two starts, suggesting that his rating is about right. Meaning that he has a stiff task here.
The same goes for KZN visitor Roy’s Magic, who won the last two of his three lifetime starts, both times by narrow margins.
KZN 3yo Series winner Roy’s Magic – needs improvement to feature
He’ll have to improve to feature.
Secret Captain, stablemate of Roy’s Magic, has not been unplaced in four starts, winning once. He has quite a bit to find given the ratings he produced so far. Orapa’s stablemate Tendre is in the same boat.
Singapore Sling made his debut in September, when supported from 8/1 to 3/1, and coming home by almost six lengths in a 1200m race.
He returned a month later, in a race over a mile, starting at 12/10. He was never seen with a chance,
Sean Tarry – saddles a pair of colts
finishing six lengths off the winner. That probably wasn’t his form, and a better showing should be expected. He’ll improve on the rating of his debut run.
Sean Tarry saddles a pair of colts in Bold Viking and Side Show.
Both were well beaten and unplaced at their last few starts. It would be a surprise if they could feature here.
Jiffy should have it in the bag on known form.
All of Aggressive, Heavenly Blue, Doosra and Singapore Sling are unknowns in terms of ability and deserve respect, at least for now.
None of the others should matter.
