In only a short, three start career, Tail of the Comet has shown versatility and class. Having won down the straight on debut at Hollywoodbets Scottsville when punted with conviction, he next ran with distinction in a strong race behind Outlaw King around Hollywoodbets Greyville’s right-handed bends, before moving up to the Highveld where he trounced rivals at Turffontein, despite a loose noseband.
Such adaptability will serve this very talented Gimmethegreenlight colt ex Comet Chaser (by Jet Master) well in his next challenge – a trip to Cape Town for the Cape Racing Sales Ready to Run Stakes over 1400m, going left-handed at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. Trainer Sean Tarry has a high-class prospect here and go to jock, Richard Fourie is entrusted with the riding gig from a favourable draw of 3.
Their main threat could be another Gauteng invader, Just be Lekker from Candice Dawson’s yard. The William Longsword filly was comprehensively out finished by a charging Tail of the Comet in the race won by Outlaw King at the end of July, so has a couple of lengths to make up. Yet, her most recent dip in the Joburg Spring Challenge was a sterling effort close to top-notch fillies, Feather Boa and Captain Peg. Reprising that level of form gives her a high probability money chance from draw 5.
With most of the 14-runner field still unexposed, making firm predictions for the place slots is tricky. Girl Like Us made a promising debut win at 80/1 odds two weeks ago but is hard to assess on that solitary run. Monumental has tangled with Hluhluwe and My Golly Molly (amongst the best of the Cape juveniles last term) so comes into the reckoning. Sail to the Moon showed resolution to win a key Maiden at the course (also at long odds of 40/1) whilst Coastal Commander has twice finished closer to Hluhluwe than Monumental has managed yet is hung out at gate 11.
Ticket to Vegas and Dumbeldore would have a shake at getting into the fray on their best numbers but draws of 12 and 13 respectively make their task more difficult on a fast-running circuit where getting handy without using up too much energy is the optimal running style.
What a Winter colt, Connery has battled some tough trips from bad draws and could be better than his bare form. He gets a chance to shine in this targeted race from draw 6, which gives Raymond Danielson positioning options depending on the early pace.
So, whilst the places look a random toss–up, the win contention can be narrowed down to a single horse, Tail of the Comet. Granted, trucking thoroughbreds around SA carries an inherent risk, but he sports a big edge on ability figures and is in expert hands. His attributes of versatility and gameness have already been highlighted.
Tail of the Comet is therefore the confident pick to add further lustre to his nationwide CV by taking out this lucrative Cape Racing Sales incentive contest. If he comes through this immediate task in good order, a possible tilt at the G1 Cape Guineas could be next.
