It has been eight years since Justin Snaith made a serious bid on the SA Champions Season 2yo features.
In a policy shift, the champion yard step out their first 2yo’s at Scottsville today with the aim of lifting some silverware in the next few months – possibly on the Tsogo Sun Speed Raceday next month
Justin Snaith is expecting a big season (Pic – Snaith Racing)
Justin has brought a string of 25 to Summerveld for the national championships of horseracing and they include some nice ‘handpicked’ 2yo’s.
“Every year we sit down to discuss the KZN draft and every year the 2yo’s are not on the list. This year I have made sure there are 2yo’s in my string. And I also want to set the record straight in the sprint features. Last season things went pear-shaped for Kasimir. He is top-class and his target is the Mercury Sprint. I may find a race for him somewhere in between.”
On today’s runners, it may be worth looking at their two 2yo’s. Justin says it’s the commencement of the ‘firing up’ of their arsenal.
The R3 million Dynasty colt Pinkerton made his debut at 8-1 at Kenilworth at end February. He runs in the second race.
Jonathan Snaith (Pic – Snaith Racing)
“He has improved considerably since his debut and will take some beating,” added Jonathan Snaith of the Drakenstein bred colt.
The Nic Jonsson owned and bred Miss Florida, a daughter of Captain Al, makes her debut in the third race, a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1000m.
While Pick 6 players don’t need to include her as an unraced horse, Jonathan Snaith was confident she is a quartet inclusion.
“Miss Florida is coming into the race fit and should run into the money on debut,” he said.
Justin added that his Listed Sledgehammer runner Made To Conquer was having a prep run today.
“It’s short of his best – it’s a race to sharpen him up. Last year he ran second in July and that is his target again– he is really well.”
All the aforementioned will be ridden by Richard Fourie.
On his July quintet, Justin confirmed that Do It Again is his main horse and will carry the biggest weight
“Made To Conquer will need some luck with the draw etc – but I expect him to be in the money.”
Justin enjoys a moment with Babette Neethling and her granddaughter at Summerveld (Pic – Candiese Manewick)
He then went on to expose a few ‘dark horses’.
“There could be some value here for the public. Doublemint ran sixth in the Sun Met and thus received no penalties. Magnificent Seven is good form and he is an improving horse. He gets the trip and doesn’t know how to run a bad race. Get on now – they are not going to stay those prices,” he cautioned.
Hollywood are betting on the Vodacom Durban July
Justin says another dark horse for the season is Silver Maple, a winner of 4 of his 7 starts.
“He has not run since 19 January and we will start him in the sprints. Keep an eye on him!”
Light rain showers are expected at Scottsville today with the going posted as good to soft.
The false rail is set at 5m.
