Witblits is not to be taken lightly.
A “moonshine” spirit distilled from grapes in South Africa, it is a “kick-ass” shooter that, when consumed excessively, could lead to serious intoxication, loss of muscle control, and a feeling of euphoria, to name but a few symptoms.
Similar in alcohol content to Tequila, it is not for the feint-hearted.
The name Witblits is a combination of two Afrikaans words – wit, meaning white – and blits, lightning.
So, as can be expected, “white lightning” is beyond potent.
On Thursday 30 November, when eight races are carded to be contested over the Turffontein Standside track, Witblits is the horse who definitely has the kick to leave the rest of the field passing out along the way in Race 5, a FM 74 Handicap over 1800m.
After seven very mediocre races in Cape Town under the tutorship of multiple champion trainer Justin Snaith, this daughter of Danon Platina scored a quick double after being relocated to the Highveld where Tony Peter is her new mentor.
Witblits’ victories, over 1450m and 1800m respectively, suggests that she could be a stayer in the making.
Jockey Calvin Habib, who steered her last time out to victory over 1800m when she made a mockery of the rest, retains the ride.
It’s very difficult to make a case for the other runners, so she does seem a banker bet on the day.
In other news, Phantom Express should get the job done for trainer Paul Matchett in Race 1, a Maiden Plate over 1160m. Three times a runner-up, it’s do-or-die for this daughter of What A Winter who has been costly to follow.
In Race 3, a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1600m, Springer should ensure victory for trainer Roy Magner. This three-year-old daughter of Vercingetorix has done everything but win in her first three runs. The penny has obviously dropped, so all she needs to get her name on the score sheet is a bit of luck running, and overcoming her wide draw.
Apache Fighter faces a small but solid field in Race 4, a FM 90 Handicap over 1800m.
This five-year-old, also trained by Magner, is in the form of her life and could prove that the 23-point hike in merit rating since the beginning of the calendar year is not unrealistic.
Clive Robinson
