The burden of a big reputation weighed heavily on the Soft Falling Rain gelding Purple Cloud early on.
But the athletic grey put it all together to win at his fourth start and he looks to have a decent chance of following up at Kenilworth today, where he can give trainer Candice Bass-Robinson a Sophomore Sprint double.
With the dogs barking early on, the R800 000 Cape Premier Yearling Sale graduate has been fancied since his debut in early February.
He finally got his act together when winning his maiden over 1250m at Durbanville last time.
Purple Cloud captured during work at Milnerton under Aldo Domeyer (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
That was his first start with the ear-muffs fitted and the equipment is worn again today as he reverts back to break the ice against stronger on the Kenilworth straight course, with the going tagged as ‘soft’ under clear skies.
The Bass-Robinson team comments state that Purple Cloud is really well and come on with his win. “Tough race to win, but hoping he is good enough.”
Vaughan Marshall’s No Laying Up will be no pushover and returns home after finishing a commendable third in the Gr1 Gold Medallion at Hollywoodbets Scottsville last time behind the still unbeaten Tempting Fate. He stayed on well there and must be a threat if he has recovered from his 3500km round trip.
Legislate’s first winner Speed Machine is the first of the Snaith duo and won his maiden well beating Neville Mu over the course and distance last time. The runner-up has since won and the form looks solid.
Bernard Fayd’herbe partners Spring Awakening in the Sabine Plattner silks. The son of Querari showed top speed when scoring a facile victory over the 1000m last time. If he goes as well over the extra 200m, he must be a danger.
Dean Kannemeyer’s shock Durbanville 1300m debut winner Russian Rock drops to the 1200m and gets thrown in the deep end. The manner of his debut win suggests he would be comfortable over further, but he really could be anything and presents an interesting poser for bigger perm Pick 6 players.
The second of the Snaith Legislate coupling, Hoedspruit was sent over 1400m to win his second start narrowly. If not lacking the toe, he could find a place.
The feature is the final leg of the Jackpot and carded for 16h05.
Racing is on the winter course with the false rail set at 1m out from the 1700m, with a 3m spur at the 470m mark.
