If he were still around today, the great New Zealand bred Sledgehammer would have been nearing his half century. The Fred Rickaby star won 21 races and his memory is commemorated with the running of today’s .Scottsville feature.
The great Sledgehammer
Light rain showers are forecast for Scottsville this afternoon where eight races are carded. The first is off at 12h55.
The false rail is set at 5m.
Weighted on merit rating bands, the R150 000 Listed Sledgehammer is run on the Scottsville 1750m outside track and is a traditional low-key season opener for some of the big guns looking to stretch their legs.
Mike and Adam Azzie have been in a rich vein of form in Gauteng and they saddle the SP top-rated smart Western Winter 4yo Orpheus who comes in here on a hat-trick after two smart wins . He has shown ability up to 2400m and seldom runs a bad race. With jockey Marco van Rensburg riding the crest of a wave, he could be tough to peg back.
Snaith’s Platinum Prince ran a decent fourth on his SA Champions Season debut in the Kings Cup and will be much fitter and ready for this race. On his best form of last season he must be classed as a major runner – although the jockey engagement of Richard Fourie on the stablemate would suggest that one is preferred.
Paul Lafferty’s Our Coys hasn’t won a race in close on 15 months and comes in under sufferance. The son of Uncle Mo will have fitness on his side and has run close up recently against weaker.
Eyes Wide Open – carries top weight
The enigmatic Eyes Wide Open gets the blinkers and the tongue tie removed and carries topweight of 61,5kgs. He has his first run back since running just over five lengths back in the Sun Met. The son of Dynasty has failed to deliver on a few occasions but is clearly the class act in the race.
Made To Conquer has his first run in 12 weeks since an unplaced effort in the Sun Met when just under 9 lengths behind Rainbow Bridge. The July has already been earmarkd as a target for the consistent son of Dynasty who was runner-up behind stablemate Do It Again in the big one last year.
Made To Conquer – another July entry and on the short side
Dean Kannemeyer’s highly regarded Silva’s Bullet, a July entry, is yet to finish out of the money in seven starts and ran a fair third in the Jet Master Stakes at Kenilworth at his last start. The 4yo could up his game to challenge again and should not be disregarded as the yard has turned the corner recently and are in good form.
Silva’s Bullet wins well on his eyecatching Scottsville debut
Sean Tarry’s lightly raced Dynasty entire Shenanigans caught the eye last time when only caught late by the low-flying Pietro Mascagni.
It looks on the short side for the solid Gimmethegreenlight stayer Gimme One Night who has his first run in 12 weeks since a fair effort in the Reserve Stayers race on Sun Met day. H will have races like the Gold Cup on his radar.
The course and distance winner Wealthy caught the eye with a good victory in the Michael Roberts Handicap at his penultimate start. The son of Silvano enjoys Scottsville and seems to be a touch in-and-out. So he may be ready to put his best foot forward again.
With the fitness unknowns a factor, the race could produce a surprise. But Orpheus could be good enough to hold Magnificent Seven, Platinum Prince and Silva’s Bullet.
