Admire Me has performed well since coming up to the Highveld and n Sunday the Gavin van Zyl-trained runner can pick up her first feature-race victory when she lines up in the Grade 3 Acacia Stakes over 1600m at Turffontein where they race on the Standside track.
There was a lot to like about the manner of her last victory in a Pinnacle Stakes over this course and distance when she romped to a facile 3.75-length victory over Fantastical and a repeat of that performance will undoubtedly make her the runner to beat.
She is a four-year-old daughter of Capetown Noir and could be heading for a good Autumn season in Joburg.
Leading apprentice Rachel Venniker takes the ride and the one concern is that she will need to overcome No 10 draw, It is not a disaster on this track but the race does start just 200m before they hit the turn and Venniker will need to get the filly reasonably well positioned.
On form there is no doubt Bon Vivant will be a threat to Admire Me. The three-year-old daughter of William Longsword has raced just seven times for three wins and three places.
She has won her last two races so is in cracking form and comes in with just 54kg on her back.
But there are two concerns.
She has yet to race beyond 1450m and she will have to jump from No 12. But she does appear to have good gate speed and that could stand her in good stead. In addition, she has a top jockey in Keagan de Melo.
Rosaprima is another in good form and ran a great second behind Clafoutis over this course and distance when leading for most of the journey before being caught a few strides before the post.
Clafoutis will be looking for a Grade 1 victory on 5 March when she will contest the SA Classic over 1800m at this course in a far stronger field than this.
Muzi Yeni takes the ride but he is another who will have to deal with a wide draw as Dianne Stenger’s charge will jump from No 11 draw.
Clive Robinson
