Candice Bass-Robinson commences a new chapter in her career at Durbanville today where she sends out the first seven runners for her own account. The nine race programme has been well supported in a month that does not ordinarily lend itself to exciting racing.
Candice Robinson (photo: hamishNIVENPhotography)
Carl Burger – joins with Riaan Van Reenen
Another ‘new’ name in the trainer’s index is that of the Burger-Van Reenen partnership.
Phillipi neighbours Carl Burger and Riaan van Reenen have joined forces for a variety of reasons. A team effort makes a lot of sense, somehow.
Burger has not been in good health of late and both have small strings.
A combined effort could mean that they will have more horses to pair in work and could also lead to improved economies of scale. We wish them well.
Captain Splendid could bounce back to winning ways
A typically competitive MR 84 Handicap over 2000m is the headliner and hosts a field of eight runners, with last term’s East Cape Derby winner Captain Splendid topping the weights .
The son of Captain Al provided sensational new apprentice Lyle Hewitson with his first Group winner when he stormed up the rail to win the East Cape Derby in May.
Richard Fourie
His next run back home in the Winter Derby was a disappointing effort.
It doesn’t look that bad on paper as he finished only 5,40 lengths behind stablemate Elusive Silva. But he may not have enjoyed being positioned so close to forward in a race that was run at a dawdle.
Having his first run at Durbanville, and with some pace potential in the field, he could bounce back and show his class.
Newly married Greg Ennion is a master at keeping them consistent in these middle-of-the-road staying handicaps.
Greg Ennion – seasoned horseman who knows his oats
He saddles a trio of runners and there will be little to choose between Chrome Blue and Jeremy.
They both stay well although Jeremy looks the more scopier.
The third of the Ennion runners is the well bred course-and-distance winner Roman Discent.
This 4yo produced a run out of his skin when staying on for third and only 2,75 lengths off the rated Elusive Silva in the Winter Derby.
He beat Captain Splendid by 2,65 lengths there and is now 4kgs better off with the Snaith runner!
Well-related
July winner Dunford’s half-brother A Time To Kill has not won since February 2015, but is a consistent place-getter.
The son of Mullins Bay is held by Red Peril who beat him 1,55 lengths behind Charlie Strong last time.
That said, A Time To Kill always runs on well and could finally get lucky and crack his third career victory.
Red Peril looks the likely pacesetter and with the 2,5kg claim of Brandon May could stretch them if allowed to dictate.
The son of Western Winter carried topweight in a lower handicap when just shaded by Charlie Strong at this track at his last start.
He is a dangerous and gutsy galloper who is fit and set to run a big one.
Blue Door is a solid staying son of Fort Wood who appears to be best at Durbanville.
He stayed on well over a distance short of his optimum when a 6,75 length third to Prince Of Eden last time. He should strip a fitter horse here.
Brett Crawford – looking for improvement from Orange Tractor
The Brett Crawford-trained Orange Tractor won two races in the summer, but his winter form has tapered very negatively and there is little to get excited about.
His rider reported that he took no interest last time and was examined post-race and no abnormalities were found.
As is to be expected, a case can be made for much of the field. Fitness points to the Ennion trio, while class considerations suggest that Captain Splendid could be better than his Winter Derby effort.
A Time To Kill has been threatening to win for a long time, while Red Peril could get away from them up front.
