By Mark van Deventer
Peter Wrensch is a knowledgeable, hardworking trainer with a background in the old school of hard knocks, Cape Hunt amateur riding scene. Making a breakthrough in the professional training ranks is proving a hard mission without much buying power, yet he soldiers on with limited stock.
Wrensch, who is 0-123 this season with a couple of seconds and 12 thirds, saddles MELA STRENGTH, a moderate, one-time winner 19 from starts in Race 5 where the average merit rating of the entrants is a rock bottom 61.
Interestingly, Richard Fourie, South Africa’s top jockey who connects at around a 25% winning strike rate, has accepted the ride.
What prompted Fourie or perhaps sharp agent, Ken Nichol, to take the engagement was a neat last start when MELA STRENGTH closed sharply behind Happy Verse. The blinkers fitted for that encouraging try, stay on. Softer ground will also help the Silvano gelding run to form and he might, with a bit of luck, reward the dedicated Wrensch with an ice-breaking victory in ‘25.
Paul Reeves is another Milnerton based conditioner who works with a small string for loyal patrons. He sends out FLYING FINLEY in Race 9, a Class 4 sprint under Andrew Fortune after they showed good pace throughout to win three weeks ago against several reopposing rivals, The Us of A, Bluff on Bluff and Counter Attack.
While no time was officially declared, hand timing off the video replay reveals a neat speed figure for the grade, indicating that FLYING FINLEY (by Oratorio) is a smart 3YO. He can go in again, though it will be a close-run at the revised weight terms.
Champery was an excellent sprinter in her sadly abbreviated career, and Vercingetorix is one of SA’s most sought-after stallions.
The result of their mating is CHANCE ENCOUNTER who made a noteworthy debut when supported behind In a Timely Manner 23 days ago. Trained by Andre Nel up the West Coast, this 2YO bay colt could make the expected progress to take out Race 2, a Maiden Juvenile Plate down the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.
There are many hard-to-assess firsters in opposition, so a market watch is advised. But HANCE ENCOUNTER showed sufficient promise when running on purposefully and he could, on collateral form, hold off BUGLE BOY, DIOGENES and MAN OF CONSEQUENCE.
Rarely does a local meeting pass without Snaith Racing being present in the winner’s circle. BOUNDLESS LOVE gets his opportunity to shed a Maiden tag in Race 3, having recorded his best figure over the course and distance behind Masterofthedesert at the end of 2024.
Two solid runs have ensued this year and the Master of my Fate 3YO gelding is teed up for a career top from the inside alley under JP van der Merwe. Main dangers are Andre Nel’s scopey SUPERHERO and Des McLachlan’s light weight filly, CAPE CAPTAIN.
McLachlan also has a shake in the following event, a Class 4 over 1400m, with PILOT FLAME. The contention runs deep, and exotic bettors will need to cover a wide range of possibilities. If pressed to compile a short list it will also comprise class-dropper KELP FOREST, INDUSTRIALSTRENGTH, fluent last start scorer BOOGIEFIED, and HAPPY DAYS who all rate plausible chances.
PILOT FLAME, who was injudiciously ridden last time, is best assessed on her 28 March performance when she was an unlucky loser by rushing too late at My Only Weakness. She goes well for Fourie, as most horses do, and should get a neat set-up in a true run 1400m from draw 6.
Race 6 is the strongest contest on the program; off time is 15h00. The presence of ASPECT, CALL TO UNITE and THE GREY KING on the speed map indicates a fast early pace in this 1600m test. Who might be the beneficiaries of such a scenario?
FUTURE TURN last won 724 days ago so doesn’t do much winning but should sit a good trip off the speed and has competitive figures at best. KATSU can rally late, assuming he is fit enough after two months off track and handles the step up the rungs of the class ladder.
CAPTAIN WEST is a query over a fast run mile, but he sports good-enough past performances to be in the mix if lasting home.
BEL CANTO DREAM can also get a good trip from barrier 1 under very promising apprentice, Plaatjies. While a lot went wrong in running last time behind Pinot Grigio, BEL CANTO DREAM still emerged with credit and with a clearer round he should be a principal player.
And wherever Eric Sand’s entry finishes, TENPENNY is entitled to be close by based on their duel in early May, making it a difficult race to hazard a prediction.
