Veronica Mars was a TV series that ran for 72 episodes from 2004 to2019 in the US but I can’t say I watched any of it and probably won’t.
But I will be watching her equine namesake on Friday who is participating in Race 7, the Ladies Bracelet (Listed) over Fairview 1600m.
Trainer Justin Snaith has been hit and miss when raiding the Eastern Cape over the last few seasons and his runner Zambaq was a deep disappointment on Monday. But it would be unwise to right off the chances of his charge, the promising filly Veronica Mars.
This daughter of Legislate has won twice in just four starts this season and is coming off a decent run when third behind Marina last month.
That form has held up well with Marina only narrowly beaten in the Grade 1 Paddock Stakes at Kenilworth on Saturday.
Rival in this race Chat Ching was just behind her that day, so there should not be much between them again and we look likely to get an exciting finish.
Stable companions from the Alan Greeff yard, Carioca and Colorado Springs, are two others who must be considered.
Carioca is coming off what one should consider her best-ever performance after downing stable star Marmara Sea.
Colorado Springs, on the other hand, was disappointing on the Polytrack in her last start but will prefer it back on the turf.
Earlier on in Race 2, we can probably cut the seven probable runners to four to fight out the finish and trainers Greeff and Gavin Smith have two apiece.
Respectable Miss slammed Sacred Ibis by 2.25 lengths over the course and distance back in September 2021 but does meet that rival on a whopping 13kg disadvantage this time.
That should change things somewhat, but Respectable Miss has improved since then.
Lady Defiance is far better than her last run would suggest and that run should be completely ignored. This course and distance suits her and she is not out of it.
Smith has done pretty well with Senescence so far and her recent form on the Polytrack has been consistent.
She should not be troubled returning to the turf and must be considered a possible winner.
Preview by Clive Robinson
