By Mark van Deventer
Justin Snaith heads the national trainer’s log with 148 wins from 995 starters at a strike rate of 15%. Well-pleased connections have earned around R26 million, nearly double the amount in stakes of closest rival trainers, Alan Greeff and Sean Tarry.
Snaith saddles several live chances at Thursday afternoon’s meeting and will, likely be beating a path to the winner’s enclosure in front of Hollywoodbets Kenilworth’s revamped grandstand once again.
Snaith’s Gimmethegreenlight filly, MATCH THAT could be the answer in Race 2, though the presence of unraced and unexposed rivals makes it difficult to label her with complete confidence.
Her debut victory was achieved with fluency after a tardy get away and she did not disgrace herself behind colts in the Winter Nursery, when supported at her follow up.
FUTURE FREE is another Snaith entry that made a good debut, kicking on purposefully after a slow beginning behind Rhydian. He should be wiser and fitter second up as Richard Fourie retains the faith. The son of Futura is a big player in Race 3.
They face a potentially dangerous foe in Andre Nel’s AFRICAN MEMOIR who also showed promise on debut when slow / green yet still closing willingly behind Three Tigers, who has since franked the form.
It’s a full field of 16 down the straight 1200, and a draw bias after recent showers could have an impact.
PALANCAR, GREEN COMMANDER and KLEIN KAROO are drawn inside of the two selections and could be dangerous if that side of the track is quicker.
LATE DECEMBER, drawn between FUTURE FREE and AFRICAN MEMOIR, returns after a 224-day break, and is another to consider on back form.
CLAIR DE LUNE is overdue to crack her Maiden tag after four seconds from five outings, but Snaith’s entry will need to stave off MISS WILIAM, HERITAGE RIDGE, THINGAMABOB and RED TAFFERTY in Race 4, while BEACH QUEEN is poised to shed her certificate after finally drawing a low marble in Race 5.
The daughter of Beach Bomb is no star but has shown enough, (principally at her penultimate in a Class 5 when running on and scaring Lady Look Alike) to suggest she can take on rivals such as OCOTILLO, LADY BLUNT, KISSES, LADY VERITAS, and WHITE WATERS.
Snaith saddles MUCHO DINERO (tongue tie fitted this time) and MAGIC VERSE in the Winter Mile and either can win on their best efforts. They tend to be a bit in and out however, unlike the ever-dependable SUGAR MOUNTAIN who tops the officially best weighted column.
Meanwhile, classy GEM KING has been restored to competitiveness after injury by experienced horseman, Piet Steyn. His sterling run when second to outstanding sprinter, Tenango, two months ago brings him into the picture.
Joint best weighted, SEEKING THE STARS, PROMETTERE (goes well for Fourie) and COASTAL COMMANDER (a pace threat under talented and dedicated apprentice, Plaatjies, who is benefitting from expert mentoring by Karl Neisius) represent Vaughan Marshall.
James Crawford sends out THE FUTURIST who hit his par number last time when conserved early, rather than ridden aggressively to the lead. It’s hard to know what to expect both tactically and performance wise from this six- time winning son of Futura.
The Winter Sprint is contentious. Cases can be made for half the field. ARCTIC WIZARD, a strong sprinter, should put forth a bold effort now that Greg Ennion’s yard is on the upswing again.
DUMBLEDORE rates right upsides on a recent clash; GIMMELIGHTING is always a late-rushing threat and KAIBOY will also be a menace based on collateral form with ARCTIC WIZARD, from their April clash against Air Raid.
Arguably the best horse in the race is BOUNDLESS ENERGY. His run to Great Plains in the Cape Classic saw him bumped up to an OMR of 109. He has been off track for 178 days after a flop in the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas, and prefers further, but the class factor alone makes it unwise to toss him out even with those lingering queries.
Some Eastern Cape invaders add intrigue to the Winter Sprint. That said, slow starting light weight, THE WINTER LAKE seems unlikely on current form.
However, Gavin Smith’s other entry, GLOBAL STATE has recently tangled with accomplished My Best Shot (it would add interest to the Hollywoodbets Durban July if Greeff’s Gqeberha star gets his chance to prove his true worth on the big stage as Direct Hit and Golden Palm have done) and GLOBAL STATE might get involved carrying just 51kg.
Kelly Mitchley trucks down ANUSCHKA’S WORLD from Fairview – a two-time winner from 19 starts and often placed behind some of the region’s better sprinters. It looks hard, however for the One World gelding carrying 57kg.
Trainer Adam Marcus is responsible for OLIVER and DANCE VARIETY. Either would be legit candidates on their peak past performances but need to step up on recent dull runs.
Snaith could close out another successful card for his Phillipi stable with PINK PIGEON in Race 10, a Class 4 for Fillies and Mares over 1000m. In November 2024, she ran Stakes performer Roccapina close, and her two subsequent starts this year indicate that she is primed to run big once again.
She nearly toppled smart sprinter, Babelicious three weeks ago and, a repeat should suffice versus lesser opposition.
Checking Race 10’s speed map, PINK PIGEON will need to run down the swift pair of PEACE OF MIND and GOLDEN TATJANA.
THE CHARLESTON has her issues. She comes back fresh after a restorative break and has shown enough previously to merit consideration.
