The season opener on Saturday is the Northern Cape’s premier raceday of the year and the annual racing festival will commence with the Racing Association’s Northern Cape Awards this evening at the Flamingo Casino.
Muzi Yeni – champion again
Runners participating in the RA Flamingo Mile will be ‘auctioned off’ with a percentage of the takings being contributed to a local charity.
Limited seats are available for the Awards function this evening at a cost of R500 per person.
A host of children’s activities will be on offer at the track and Saturday will be a day out for the whole family. Fully inclusive hospitality in the Racing Association facility is on offer at R450 per person, which includes food and beverages. RA Members with runners in the feature races will be invited as guests of the Racing Association.
For bookings – Merle Parker at 011 683 3220 or email [email protected].
Dodgy Itie – bids for the double
Cliffie Miller and Marco van Rensburg team up with the Latino Magic gelding Dodgy Itie who comes out in defence of his 2017 R200 000 RA Flamingo Mile trophy at the Kimberley track on Saturday.
The bumper meeting sees 142 runners carded over the 9 races – an exotic player’s dream challenge!
The now 7yo Hemel ‘n Aarde-bred gelding returned after a close to eight month rest to stay on without threatening at his last a fortnight ago. He has been subjected to long periods of inactivity throughout his career but is capable and will strip fitter over a course-and-distance that he has proven effective.
Cliffie Miller – strong hand
His stablemate Seattle Sunset won two on the trot before being ridden more handily and dropping out of contention to run 8 lengths off Ahead Of Traffic last time. He could be more effective if ridden with some restraint.
Champion Muzi Yeni takes the mount on the progressive 5yo Ahead Of Traffic, who continues to improve. A winner of his last two starts, the son of Traffic Guard won really easily last time and holds topweight Red Special again. The latter is one of seven Steph Miller runners.
Joey Piper ran on over a pipe-opener 1000m last time out and this former Joburg campaigner can make his presence felt from a decent draw over the mile on Saturday.
Bongo Dance enjoys a 2kg weight swing with Ahead Of Traffic for a 5,50 length beating last time. The son of Oracy loves the course and distance and could be a nice Place Accumulator inclusion.
Former Azzie charge Trading Profit ran a terrible first race here a fortnight ago but is worth another chance on his best Johannesburg form.
Notacademicatall has proven a good earner since relocating from Paul Lafferty in KZN. The son of Elusive Fort is fit and consistent and enjoys a 2kg swing with Ahead Of Traffic on their last meeting when beaten a long neck.
Master Runner won a smart race over the course and distance last time and enjoys a good draw with a handy galloping weight as he sets out to confirm the form.
It’s a tough race – like the majority of them on the day! Ahead Of Traffic and Dodgy Itie may be the two to side with.
