Last week’s Grade 2 ASSM Charity Mile at Turffontein was a rough race in which jockey Muzi Yeni came down after his mount had clipped heels. Betway Ambassador Mike de Kock said it was a “scrappy” contest in which a number of horses became unbalanced and one, of course, finished without his rider.
Mike’s Betway Summer Cup hopeful Shoemaker was one that suffered some interference. He had to be steadied at the 1400m mark and he lost his rhythm, fading right out of the race. Mike has put him back in Saturday’s Grade 3 Victory Moon Stakes over 1800m at
Turffontein and is hoping that he can produce the type of run he is capable of.
Mike said: “We want to forget last week’s race, Shoemaker is better than that and I’d really like to see improvement from him. He is still in need of the outing.”
Aragosta and Safe Passage are two others who fared moderately last week and will have to do more ahead of the big race on 30 November. Mike commented: “Aragosta needed last week’s run in the Java Stakes, so his finishing nine lengths off wasn’t so bad. This race will bring him to top fitness and let’s hope he puts in a good effort.”
It’s much of the same for Safe Passage, who was out of his ground last week and looked one-paced until he started kicking on late in the race. He was well beaten, too, but has been showing promise in work and is set for a decent run over the extra this time.
Mike assessed: “Looking at the quality of the field and where we stand, this is a hard race for us to win. We have three in-and-out horses who are unpredictable. I think that they all have Quartet chances, I can’t really narrow it down more than that.”
It is easier to predict what will happen in Race 4 over 1600m, where Greaterix is doing very well ahead of the contest. The talented grey made an eye-catching return to racing when he disposed of smart sprinter Pistol Pete recently and Mike said: “This is his lead-up run to the Dingaans, his final prep. I’ve said before he is a proper horse, good things are expected and he has a winning chance. I like to see them produce the goods on track, he still has to show that he stays 1600m, but he should go close.”
Piere Strydom is back on White Pearl in Race 9 over 1400m. She is long overdue her third career win, having performed with some success against some of the country’s leading fillies. Things will have to go her way, but Mike said White Pearl was fit and well and is a big runner. “This is her ideal trip, she’ll get into the mix and can fight it out.”
Flying Hafla gets another good opportunity to get out of the blocks in Race 4 over 1900m at HWB Greyville on Sunday. She was beaten when favourite in a weak-looking Maiden Plate last week and looks to be facing stronger this time. “Flying Hafla is going to win a race at some point, but whether it will be here I am not too sure. She’s not the type of filly to have a big bet on.”
Grape Shot (Race 6, 1900m), is in a race against colts, and she tries further. She has showed some promise in work, as recently reported, but has a tough task against a few hard knocking male runners. “I’m stepping Grape Shot up in trip, her pedigree suggests she’ll like the extra. We hope to see her finish the race off well, she has Quartet prospects,” Mike concluded.
Bet on horse racing with Betway
Whether it’s international or local events, specific races or favourite horses, you’ll find a full list of race fixtures with Betway. Get in on
horse racing today and place your bets on at Betway.
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions follow Betway on
Facebook,
Twitter,
Instagram and
YouTube.
Download the Betway App.