Unannounced – Yet to be beaten
Marula Sprint over 1200m at Scottsville on Sunday
The best of the weekend action takes place at Scottsville on Sunday where the non black type Marula Sprint tops the bill. The powerful stable of Charles Laird saddles the two highest rated runners in the field and interestingly, they were the first to be declared. 21 of the original 28 entries have been scared away, but this is a handicap, and as such it is by no means clear cut, writes Steve Furnish.
Shouldering top weight is Ice Axe. Third in the Natal Derby last season, this ultra consistent son of Solskjaer has missed the frame just once in fourteen starts, and that was in the Gr2 Victory Moon Stakes. His six career wins have all come over further than they race here, but it worth noting that in his only previous outing over a trip this short, he was running on stoutly when only beaten half a length by Unannounced over today’s course and distance in his penultimate start.
Unannounced
Stable companion Unannounced gets the services of Anton Marcus and on that one would expect him to be the stable elect. This son of Snitzel has won all five starts and he is improving with each outing. The winning margin in three of those five successes was no more than half a length, but he has always managed to find extra when challenged and that would suggest that there is still more to come. He’s at his best over today’s distance and won’t surrender his unbeaten record without a fight.
Maliyakhe
The highest rated of Yogis Govender’s two runners is the 6yo Maliyakhe. He’s gained three of his six career victories over 1200m, but having been shown no mercy by the official handicapper since being penalized three points for his last win back in Oct ’10, he is now without a win in ten starts. He has run up to his rating in our book when placing in both starts since returning from a four month break in November though and now having his third run after that layoff, he should be cherry ripe.
Lizard’s Passion
As well as Maliyakhe, trainer Yogis Govender is also represented by the recent 1200m KZN Chapter Challenge winner Lizard’s Passion. Yet to finish out of the first four, this son of Lizard Island has been going from strength to strength this season and has only been beaten twice in six starts. What is interesting here is that Lizard’s Passion has gained his latest two successes in soft going and with rain forecast for Pietermaritzburg in the days leading up to this race, the conditions look sure to suit.
ike’s Choice is 7,5kg better off at the weights with Unannounced for a two lengths beating
Mike’s Choice
Michael Roberts’ charge has been a model of consistency and fully deserved his back to back wins over 1400m in the autumn. He has also won twice over 1200m and a running on sixth in the Durban Merchants in June is equally effective over today’s trip. Mike’s Choice was conceding 7kg to Unannounced when only beaten two lengths in August and he is now 7,5kg better off at the weights with that one. He was only 2,8 lengths off the winner in the Gauteng Merchants last time out and if ready after a three month break, he could go one better on his second placing in this race last season.
Tirade
The veteran Tirade shed his maiden tag over today’s course and distance back in Apr ’08, but since then his four subsequent wins have all been gained over 1000m. He was sparingly raced during the course of 2011 and without a win now in fourteen starts, he is perhaps best just watched here.
Take Over Target
Tony Rivalland’s charge won four in a row early last season and amongst those successes all gained over today’s distance was victory in the KZN Chapter Challenge 1200m. He finished third in this race immediately after that winning sequence, but since then he has only managed to fill a place in the Quartet once in eight starts.
About The Pace
Although just seven go to post, there is enough speed in the race to ensure a decent pace. The unbeaten Unannounced is one such runner and as yet he has achieved all that has been asked of him. He can still improve and with most of his rivals having question marks against them, he could well extend his winning sequence.
