The speed queens will duel over the straight Turffontein 1160m today with chances to many in the Gr3 Magnolia Handicap.
It is also the opening leg of the first Jackpot where the pool is expected to reach a healthy R1,2 million.
Schippers – plenty expected of her!
It’s not a new approach but punters often use – and often wisely so – the ‘F&M’ annotation on the race description to go the field and more route. And this may well be the only insurance to ensure survival in four-legged exotic.
There is little to separate the top half of the runners and after Muzi Yeni sprung the surprise on My Friend Lee in 2017, the national log-leading Winning Form sponsored rider sits this one out with the withdrawal of Covered In Snow.
Grant Maroun holds a strong hand with his duo of the hard-knocking Wrecking Ball and speedy Byword filly, Shifting Shadows.
.Superfast Wrecking Ball is very talented
Piere Strydom looks the perfect foil for the sometimes tearaway Wrecking Ball, who has been thereabouts at her past few starts and may enjoy a more restrained ride – as Gavin Lerena showed when she was slow out and ran on behind Rose In Bloom in the Gardenia Stakes last time out. She has not been in the winner’s box since the Vaal in January but could go close here.
Her year younger stablemate Shifting Shadows was 3,25 lengths behind Wrecking Ball in the Gardenia and is as much as 4kgs better off with her here. That brings this very decent 4yo into the picture.
Course and distance winner Schippers is on the upgrade and will have many supporters. A winner of two of her last three starts, she was not disgraced in mixed when carrying topweight last time and could be the one to beat.
Sean Tarry – Colour Of Light will be fitter
Sean Tarry’s Colour Of Light won three of her four starts last term but failed to show when returning from a six month rest last time. A dual course and distance winner, she will improve.
Stan Ferreira has enjoyed success in this race in years past and he saddles the speedy Winter’s Forge after a short break of nine weeks. The daughter of Western Winter is drawn on the wide outside and looks likely to lead them early.
Pretty Penny bled at her last start and disappointed finishing just over 5 lengths behind Schippers. She is 3kgs better with the Woodruff runner and can add to her impressive win tally of 3 from 5.
Course and distance winner Mrs O has been tried over further but seems like a better sprinter after failing to win beyond this trip. She has her third run in the blinkers and must be considered on best form.
Her stablemate and topweight Frederico’s Dream has been scratched.
KZN raider Accidental Tourist has consistent form but has not won in a year. She is yet to win at stakes level and has her first run on the Highveld.
Speedy course and distance winner Casual Wear has won 2 of her last 4 starts and takes a step up in class under Calvin Habib.
Her stablemate Ouro has a habit of running second and is another who steps up.
The 3yo Captain’s Princess hails from the Candice Dawson yard and is asked to do more, She ran a smart third behind the subsequently very progressive Ronnie’s Candy in the SA Fillies Nursery last term.
It’s open – go very wide. Schippers is classy and highly regarded. She could step up to the plate!
