She’s classy and loaded with ability. But she has a habit of finding something to beat her. Can the Gimmethegreenlight 4yo Beataboutthebush pull off the East Cape Paddock Stakes double at Fairview today?
Beataboutthebush – has everything in her favour
Effective from 1200m to 2000m, the 2017 East Cape Paddock Stakes winner and East Cape Champion 3yo of last term has run second at one in three of her career starts.
Her laid-back style of racing often means she needs to make up ground and beat her way through traffic when the race is over. She ran a good second behind the highly charged Star Burst Galaxy in the East Cape Breeders Stakes (1200m) last time out – that despite not being persevered with by jockey Aldo Domeyer in the latter stages. She was reported hanging in from the 200m and the Vet found nothing post-race. An inquiry was opened and no action taken after the finding that the bad hanging was the real issue.
From a decent draw at these weights over this trip, Beataboutthebush must go very close.
Tara Laing is enjoying a form run.
Secret Star – will she go the mile?
She saddles former Gauteng-based For The Ladies Stakes winner Secret Star, who has her second start here after running 2,25 lengths fourth to Beataboutthebush in the East Cape Breeders Stakes. Her one and only try at a mile – in the Ipi Tombe Stakes – was an unplaced effort but she could find this on breeding and cannot be discarded.
Former KZN (Howells) and Gauteng (Ferraris) based Patchit Up Baby is a game 6yo who deserves a black-type win. She is probably at her best over further though but is always staying on.
Peach Delight – versatile and gutsy
Peach Delight has not quite found her best form since returning in March from an injury. She is a strong galloping seven-time winner though who could surprise.
Queen Forever is a year younger stablemate of the favourite and topweighted Beataboutthebush. She was not disgraced when beaten 7 lengths by American Landing in the East Cape Derby and could be more effective dropping in trip and back amongst her own sex.
Red Granite beat Beataboutthebush at her penultimate start but is 3kgs worse off here and unlikely to repeat.
Widow’s Lamp – back on home turf
Widow’s Lamp has drawn wide and is the ride of Bremner stable jockey, Lyle Hewitson. She failed to feature in the Gr1 Woolavington at Greyville when beaten 10 lengths by Oh Susanna – but is back on home ground and this will be a different kettle of fish. She can go close.
Maverick Girl is held by Beataboutthebush, while Christmas Carol’s recent form does not inspire.
Reine Tonnerre beat Excellent by 1,50 lengths last time out and tries the mile for the first time. Excellent has not been far off recently but would have been better suited to a handicap in this sort of company.
Smokey Affair has not won since her fourth start and second victory in October 2016. She has not run too far off some decent sorts, but cannot be selected on anything but her early promise. She has been disappointing.
Silver Goblet has a massive task at these weights and was well beaten by Lucky Lulu last time out.
Chinkapin is the fourth of the Yvette Bremner quartet and has drawn wide. She beat Widow’s Lamp three runs back in receipt of 6 kgs but her last two starts have not been up to scratch.
Beataboutthebush will be fit and ready to register the double. She shouldn’t have any excuses to win this well.
