We have a number of runners this week, starting with a local debut for Honest Prince at Flamingo Park, on Monday 18th February 2019. Chief Officer has his career debut at Scottsville on Wednesday and we close off the mid-week meetings with a few runners at the Vaal on Thursday 21st February 2019. See more here.
Monday 18th February 2019
Flamingo Park
Race 10 – 16:55
1000m – MR 56 Handicap
8 – Honest Prince
Trainer: Cliffie Miller
Jockey: Collen Story
Wgt: 54.5kg
Draw: 15(17)
Current Betting: 6/1
He seems to be a horse that can do so much better than he has done on the course. His work on the sand back home is that of a horse that is rated 20 points higher than he is and it is based on that conclusion, that we have decided to send him to the only sand course in the country, Flamingo Park. He comes into this weak handicap with a nice galloping weight and we give him a good each way chance on his local debut.
Winning Form Comment: Ex-KZN resident. Capable, watch closely.
Wednesday 20th February 2019
Scottsville Racecourse
Race 1 – 12:50
1100m – Maiden Juvenile Plate
2 – Chief Officer
Trainer: Alyson Wright
Jockey:
Wgt: 60.0kg
Draw: 9(9)
He put up a nice Barrier Trial just over two weeks ago, kicking on nicely in the latter stages. The 800m would’ve been far too short for him on that occasion, so he will enjoy the extra 300m and we’ll be expecting a solid first run from him. The Paul Peter trained “Ring Of Fire” has been scratched from the race and would’ve been the clear horse to beat in the race, as such it has a wide open look about it now and he should fare relatively well. Our one concern would be that he may just need this first run, before we can follow him with any certainty.
Thursday 21st February 2019
Vaal Turf
Race 3 – 13:15
1200m – Maiden Plate
4 – Setablaze
Trainer: Clinton Binda
Jockey: Kabelo Matsunyane (-2.5kg)
Wgt: 60.0kg
Draw: 7(20)
Predicted Betting: 25/1
His best runs have come from when he is left alone throughout the race and is allowed to run at the leaders late on. That was again evident in his latest outing, where he made up a lot of ground late on in a big field, to finish a credible 6.15 lengths off the winner. He has come on from that run and once again gets the services of Kabelo, with the 2.5kg claim which will certainly help. We give him a fair place chance and if natural progression is bought into the equation, then he could have a nice outside win chance as well. There are a few runners in the race, with further scope for improvement as well, so it may be wise to play with caution here.
Winning Form Comment: Caught the eye late in improved last start and should have more to offer.
Race 10 – 17:20
1000m – MR 66 Handicap
5 – Seventh Son
Trainer: Clinton Binda
Jockey: Randall Simons
Wgt: 57.5kg
Draw: 5(20)
Predicted Betting: 20/1
After two solid victories in a row, it appears that the handicapper has his measure as his last three performances have been disappointing. He reverts back to the 6 furlong trip, where two of his three career wins have transpired. He gets the services of Randall Simons this time around, as well as a set of blinkers and hopefully this will have the desired effect of sharpening him up. However, the feeling is that he may need to drop a few points before he has a decent chance of adding to his winning tally. We give him an outside place chance in this big competitive field.
Winning Form Comment: Below par recent form, but tries the headgear.
12 – Alphamikefoxtrot
Trainer: Clinton Binda
Jockey: Khanya Sakayi (-1.5kg)
Wgt: 55.5kg
Draw: 3(20)
Predicted Betting: 25/1
His last attempt offered small improvement to his handicap debut run before that and he comes into this race a fresh horse. He may still need a few more points shaved off his Merit Rating before he can be considered a big runner, but he is racing fit and he is doing well so we can expect an honest run from him. He may just be out gunned this time around.
Winning Form Comment: Some improvement last time, could have more to offer.