Unbeaten Lazer Star could be anything – and has impressed us thus far
Women. We love them. But when the postfix ‘F&M’ appears after any race description it can be the nod to go wide. Field and more. That may apply in the instance of the R250 000 Gr3 Magnolia Handicap after last year’s winner Fanzene came up at 110 to 1 to shake the very foundations of Joburg racing’s biggest day of the year.
There have been a few big results in this race but it would be unjust to turn the form debate into a sexist argument and suggest that girls don’t hold their form like boys. But it seems to be a generally accepted principle that, temperament-wise, female racers are strangely a bit more placid than males but they can also have their unpredictable stages.
So bear that little pearl of caution in mind when approaching this race on Saturday – thankfully, like last year, it is the Place Accumulator opener, so ‘field’ may be an overreaction, with a few tough legs that face punters later on.
Unbeaten
Sixteen ladies of varying ages line up and one that catches the eye immediately is the unbeaten Toreador 3yo Lazer Star, who has won her two low-key opening outings with a serious air of authority.
Fair enough, they were both at the Vaal and she has only banked a modest Novice Plate at her peak, But Ormond Ferraris’ charge has plenty of natural speed and looks capable of carrying her pace into this arena. Back a winning horse till it loses, is the maxim!
Victoria Young is held by Lazer Star and her 3,50 length walloping at their last meeting, but has a Gr2 placing (a distant one) to Majmu early on.
Older Girls
Virgo’s Babe
Amongst the 4yo’s and topping the weights is the 2013 Gr2 SA Fillies Nursery winner (at 28 to 1) Virgo’s Babe.
A very fast daughter of versatile producer Malhub, she showed great toe behind Supreme Sunset in the Gr2 Joburg Spring Challenge – run over 200m than she probably ideally prefers.
She won her two previous outings and is at her best over this trip.
Mark Dixon makes the trip up from Durban with the Mogok filly, African Dream.
The Scott Bro’s product has won 4 of 9 starts while making her way through the divisions and now gets asked to show her colours in decent Highveld company.
She showed excellent resolve to get within 0,75 lengths of the talented Rich Girl on the Greyville polytrack last time.
Visitor
Charles Laird – trains Pej
The Kahal filly Pej is another who travels from Durban.
Charles Laird’s flyer has been to Turffontein before and ran a really nice race last time when taking the well performed older male Showmetheway (who runs in the Gr2 Merchants on the same afternoon) all the way to the wire – albeit in receipt of some decent pudding.
Barend Botes’ Tzigane is a 5yo sprinting daughter of Doowaley.
She ran a fair third to Alboran Sea at her penultimate start and then plugged on when beaten 3,50 lengths by the blistering pace of Ha Lucy last time.
Rich Lady
Winter Star – got the big money in 2013
The 2013 Emperors Palace Ready To Run Cup winner Winter Star was well beaten by Bravo Maya in a Pinnacle Stakes last time and ran handy when fading behind Supreme Sunset in the Gr2 Joburg Spring Challenge. She has beaten the likes of Virgo’s Babe and Tzigane with ease over the start over the straight course and comes into the race very fit.
Durban visitor Choir Maiden has had her last 3 runs on the poly , but ran a fair fourth in the Gr3 Sycamore Sprint seven months ago over the course and distance.
She finished 1,40 lengths behind Vrgo’s Babe and enjoys a 5 kg turnaround with her.
That’s a substantial reversal and the 5yo mare now has every chance to prove her credentials.
Good Sort
Dom Zaki’s Shepard One has won 3 races from her 8 starts and beat Silent Rush with a good finish last time.
Goldie Coast has not won in 7 months and is held by Winter Star on their last run.
As is Sarasota, who was lame last time.
The Mike De Kock-trained Berlinetta is creeping back to her better earlier form but needs to prove she is capable of reversing the weight turnaround with Tzigane who beat her two lengths in the Listed Gardenia Handicap.
Special
For The Lads
Gr1 Golden Slipper winner For The Lads bounced back to win her first race in 16 months earlier in November and as an older proven top level performer comes in on a handy 52,5kgs. She must have a squeak if maintaining her level of output.
The very fast daughter of Spectrum, Weekend Special, comes off a stint on the sand and reverts to the turf – a surface where she has proven herself very capable.
Crown Of Roses was very consistent but choked up last time when fadng out to finish 13 lengths behind For The Lads.
Sean Tarry’s Rainy Day has only her second outing since an unsuccessful trip to Cape Town for the Avontuur Fillies Guineas in December last year.
A course and distance winner, she enjoys a handy galloping weight and looks well in if she is back to her better form.
