A Formation needs to bounce back from a poor last run to trouble Jackodore
St John Gray sends his outstanding Sarge mare Formation back for a third tilt at the Listed Queen Of The Sand at the Vaal today. The 6yo is one of the most versatile horses in training and after running third to Mina Salaam in 2012 and third again to Rivulet last year, she could make 2014 her best eff0rt.
An eight race programme is offered at the Vaal today and after yesterday’s Kenilworth nightmare, punters will be looking for sanity to prevail.
It won’t be easy for Formation, who comes out of a shocking tailed off effort in the Gr3 Acacia Handicap on Gauteng Guineas day when she finished tailed off behind Orator’s Daughter.
Jockey Piere Strydom reported that she took no interest in running that afternoon and a vet report revealed nothing telling.
For a girl with a record of 11 wins and 16 places from 32 outings that was just too bad to be real and she could bounce back today.
Formation’s major opposition could be in the hands of Piere Strydom who rides joint topweight Jackodore for Sean Tarry.
Unplaced in the SA Fillies Classic behind Along Came Polly, she loves this course and distance and could bounce right back.
Festival Of Fire is classy and has her first sand outing
S’manga Khumalo jumps aboard Festival Of Fire for Mike De Kock.
The daughter of Kahal has her first try of the sand and is a high class stakes winning filly who could run them all ragged if she adapts.
Diane Stenger’s Rivulet won this race last year and she comes in on a handy galloping weight.
Paul Peter’s little Surging River filly Nightingale Grey is game and consistent but bumps some big guns and may battle to assert herself.
The Geoff Woodruff trained Five Moons ran unplaced in the Listed Spook Express Handicap behind Magic Smoke, and needs plenty of improvement to feature in the firing line here.
After the tough Kenilworth Pick Six results of Easter Monday, shell shocked punters will be looking to get back on an even keel in the run up to payday.
Include Jackodore and Formation and farm for the upsets in the other legs. It is tough!
