The Gr3 London News Stakes tops the feature billing at Turffontein today where past SA Triple Crown winner Abashiri will be fancied to get back into the winner’s enclosure after a long absence.
Abashiri – overdue for a win
Corne Orffer replaces the indisposed Gavin Lerena in the saddle and Mike Azzie has harboured great hopes of a return to glory for his one-time star 3yo – but things have not worked out according to plan. The Azzman will be keen for a big effort, particularly after Hat Puntano’s disappointing effort in Saturday’s L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate.
Rested for nine months after a poor effort in the 2017 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate, Abashiri was targetted to win the Sansui Summer Cup, but things didn’’t pan out as planned. He finished eighth and just over 4 lengths behind Liege and was reported coughing afterwards.
Gavin Lerena takes the ride from a good draw on Sunday and he may have most to fear from Sean Tarry’s Matador Man and the improved again French Navy.
London News wins the 1996 Rothmans July
This race is named in honour of the great London News whose record-breaking victory in Hong Kong’s Gr1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes in 1997, was as big an event for South African racegoers, as the Springboks’ World Cup victory was in 1995.
As a five-time Gr1 winner, he gave weight and draw to the whole field, and he broke the Sha Tin track record. The Alec Laird trained champion also won The Classic at Turffontein, the Daily News 2000 and the July at Greyville, as well as producing an astonishing performance in the J&B Met.
The Pick 6 kicks off in race 4 at 14h00. There is no carryover today to boost the pool.
