– Written by Mark Van Deventer
(Image of CAPTAIN ARROW by Chase Liebenberg)
It’s hard to believe that NOON DAY GUN is still a Maiden. The GIMMETHEGREENLIGHT gelding has placed behind strong rivals, yet remains winless after eight starts. He gets an ideal opportunity to break through on Monday in Race 1 at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth – a Work Riders Maiden Plate over 1200m.
Trained by Justin Snaith, NOON DAY GUN has placed to DUMBLEDORE (now rated 94), CAPTAIN ARROW (OMR 98) and LINDBERGH (assessed @ 89). He failed to pick up his feet in the Okapi Ladies International six weeks ago and now gets former pro rider Louis Burke’s assistance from the saddle. NOON DAY GUN needs only repeat any of five out of those eight Maiden dips to win at this humble level.
(Image of HAMMIES HERO by Chase Liebenberg)
The duo is selected to finally get the job done at the expense of well-bred stable mate, THREE COINS, who is making steady progress from one run to the next and is sired by GIMMETHEGREENLIGHT out of brilliant race mare, BELA BELA.
It’s been ages between drinks for long suffering supporters of HAMMIES HERO. He showed considerable early promise which, now going on 470 days since his second win, remains unfulfilled. Once rated in the mid 90’s his OMR has tumbled to 77. He is another that has an ideal opportunity to get on the scoreboard in Race 9 – a Class 4 1200m sprint over his favourite course and distance.
HAMMIES HERO was punted at this class level when equipped with first-time blinkers 44 days ago, only to run into a traffic snarl up when making a forward move. Assuming an unobstructed path in this full field of 17 entries, the horse who gave weight and nearly beat G2 Post Merchants victor, GLADATORIAN, a year ago down this straight course, can prove he still has sufficient mojo to win races.
(Image of BENJAMIN by Chase Liebenberg)
If the Bass Racing runner finds a way to lose yet again, there are a few who can take advantage. There’s stable mate BENJAMIN, who was noted running on with purpose at his last try in this grade behind NORDIC CHIEF; in-form WINTER PEARL who has won two of his most recent three starts; and WYAG, an enigmatic campaigner capable of launching a late rally when the mood takes him.
#caperacing
#destinationcaperacing
