Clive Robinson
The KwaZulu-Natal Breeders racemeeting is always great fun. It is interesting that all but one of the races are run on Polytrack meeting but the headliner (Race 7), the R600,000 KZN Breeders Mile, run on turf.
Race 1, a Juvenile Plate over 1200m could start things off nicely. Russian Doll had a few nice sorts behind her when winning on debut. Like It Hot was heavily supported after a promising debut but Russian Doll went past her like a seasoned veteran. Both runner-up Like It Hot and third-placed Lady Heist (who improved to finish second thereafter) will not be long in opening their accounts.
Best bet on the day is Winter Smoke in Race 3, the Fort Stud KwaZulu-Natal Breeders 1200 for Fillies and Mares.
Winter Smoke was backed into favourite in last year’s race after taking her chances and disappointing in the Grade 1 SA Fillies Sprint. After showing good pace to overcome her draw she looked to have hurt herself as she finished downfield with the excuse of a “short left hind”. Incidentally she didn’t show in this year’s SA Fillies Sprint either.
But she finds herself even better off in this year’s running – as a result of winning the Grade 2 Camellia Stakes at Turffontein. She is a full 7kg better off with next-best weighted runners Aunty Lizzy and Calulo. Her stable is likely to have learned from last year’s race and should pull it off.
An interesting race is Race 6, the Got The Greenlight KwaZulu-Natal Breeders 1600, where there appears to be a paucity of milers and hence common sense must push one in the direction of Straight Up who loves the trip. The only other runner to have won over 1600m, Bend The Rules, lost his form and has been gelded and has a bit of ground to make up on ratings.
To be fair, classy Spydas Corner is having his first try over the trip and it is possible he may enjoy it even though his pedigree suggests otherwise. Straight Up for the win and Spydas Corner for Exactas and Swingers.
Watch out for Battle Force in the KZN Breeders Mile – a rare Grade 1 winner in the race – who could be tough to beat if he stays 1600m. The sentimental money will come for Piere Strydom’s ride, Nexus, but Justin Snaith’s charge has yet to win at Hollywoodbets Greyville.
