Justin Snaith is set to follow a similar programme to the one he plotted in 2017 as the Captain Al mare Jo’s Bond steps up to defend her title in Sunday’s national topliner, the R150 000 Listed KwaZulu-Natal Stakes down the Scottsville 1000m straight.
Jo’s Bond – out to win register the double
A smart eight-time winner with a host of passionate owners, the Klawervlei Stud-bred galloper has the Gr1 Computaform Stakes at Turffontein on 5 May in the bigger scheme of goals on her radar. She came out last term off a dazzling 1,15 length fourth in the Gr1 Cape Flying Championship behind superstar Carry On Alice to win this race.
The theory says she is unlikely then to need this run – although Sunday’s feature comes up a fortnight later than it did last season. The Gr2 Southern Cross Stakes winner has downed the likes of Carry On Alice at best and must rank a serious contender to clinch the double.
A large majority of the field are opening their SA Champions Season programme and are likely to need the run.
Statute – comes back to sprints
Legislate’s smart lightly raced full sister Statute has failed twice to reproduce her sprint form over further and she reverts to the straight track where she has been very effective. She may well be better than rated and deserves a chance to show her paces in this company.
Dennis Drier’s yard hit nice form at Greyville last Sunday and they saddle a quartet of runners, headed by course and distance winner Sommerlied – who returns from her blank Cape campaign and an eleven week rest. Back on home turf, the Var stakes winner could prove more competitive.
Sommerlied – back on home turf
The lightly raced Lunar Rush returns from a 15 week break following her last win in a quality handicap on the Greyville polytrack 1200m.
Miss Varlicious has won her last two starts on the Greyville poly but has more to do here at these weights.
Effortless Reward put in a massive effort over the course and distance 14 weeks ago when beating record-holder Isca. Her form prior to that was a bit in-and-out but she cannot be underestimated.
Anneline has poor recent form but Richard Fourie – who won this last year on Jo’s Bond – is an interesting jockey engagement.
Anton Marcus – rides Neptune’s Rain
Anton Marcus partners the highest rated runner in the field in the 14 week rested Neptune’s Rain. This daughter of Antonius Pius is lethal on home turf.
Hashtag Strat is consistent but looks held by Vision To Kill on their Valentine’s Day clash.
Anime returns from a 14 week rest, and like her stablemate Via Sacra, who comes back from a 15 week break after her Cape campaign, is likely to need it.
Marsala looks held on recent form and may need it after a 17 week break.
Vine Street Star and Captain’s Girl appear to lack to form needed to win this.
Queen Of Alamo is the second of the Glen Kotzen duo and returns from a short seven week break following an unplaced effort in a low-key handicap on the Greyville poly – but giving 3kgs and only 4 lengths off last Sunday’’s eyecatching Umzimkhulu Stakes runner-up Twice As Smart.
A tricky race compounded by the fitness unknowns of many of them.
Justin Snaith looks likely to get his team into top gear and Jo’s Bond is the pick to beat Statute, with Sommerlied and Vision To Kill the dangers.
