Having beaten the likes of MK’s Pride, Computaform Sprint hero Ultra Magnus, champion sprinter Rio Querari, multiple Grade 1 winners Battle Force and Kasimir among others over 1200m at Greyville at weight-for-age conditions, Pearl Of Asia can lay claim to being the best sprinter in the country.
However, he has not won at this level up the straight, but he does love Greyville where they race around the turn. So the signs are there for Pearl Of Asia when he lines up in Race 7 at Greyville on Sunday to contest a Pinnacle Stakes over 1200m. At the weights, the race appears to be handed to him on a plate.
While he should have all exposed runners beaten on form, he could have a battle with Coin Spinner who is the up-and-coming youngster on the block but who will have to contend with a wide draw.
Red Sole has been very costly to follow but could finally get it right when he runs in Race 2, a Maiden Plate over 1400m. He started as the odds-on favourite over 1200m last time, a distance short of his best. He still managed to finish second so against opposition low on experience he could finally shed his maiden tag.
Red Sole does not have the best of draw as he will jump from barrier No 9.
Honest Beechhurst and Peteca have run some fair races but need to step up on form to win it. However, these two should be included in swingers and trifectas.
Two other form standouts look to be Madiba’s Cuppa (Race 5) and Nikiya (Race 6). The former was unlucky not to score last time as the pace looked false and, in any case, the 2400m trip may have come too soon. He can make amends over 2100m.
Nikiya is dropping in distance and taking on a strong field, but the ultra-consistent mare could have her way as Vivid Jet is drawn a bit wide and Lady Catherine, who has hot form on the Polytrack, switches to the turf.
Clive Robinson
