Every horse deserves a second, third, and even fourth chance to prove it has the ability connections and followers believe it has.
On Thursday 25 January, both Dhow Solo and Mid Winter Wind will undoubtedly attract a fortune in market support yet again, and both look to make good on the promise of their potential when they line up in the opening two races at Turffontein on the Inside Track.
Both these three-year-old maidens have been heavily backed in their short careers, but have somehow failed to deliver. Although one can argue that they have not had the best of luck and that they have at times found one better, the fact is that they should have scored by now.
Dhow Solo, trained by Tony Peter, will be in action first up in a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1200m.
This daughter of Oratorio has not only attracted the attention of the racing public, but also of the handicapper, who slapped her with a 11-point penalty after her last outing when finishing runner-up to Work Of Time. Now rated 80 after four runs, she ticks all the boxes.
The only concern is that she will be running around the right-hand turn for the first time and has drawn gate 7 in the field of 8, but even so, with Calvin Habib in the saddle again, this race is hers for the taking.
The Sean Tarry-trained Mid Winter Wind will have no excuse in Race 2, a Maiden Plate over the same distance as the card opener.
Last time out this gelding just ran out of steam when travelling 1400m. Dropping down in distance, and having drawn better, he is hard to oppose, especially with S’manga Khumalo in the irons. It will also be his second run after gelding, so no more excuses can be made.
Later in the day, On The Horizon could well bounce back to winning ways when she lines up in Race 4, a MR96 Handicap over 1450m.
The only filly taking on a field of 11 boys, she looks a class above the rest. With three wins and two runner-up finishes from five career runs, Lucky Houdalakis’ charge has performed way above her price tag and continues to improve.
Bettors looking for value on the day will have to be patient and wait for the barman to call last round.
In Race 8, a FM68 Handicap over 1200m, Tarry’s Efficient Trader is back at the track where she scored her only career victory 266 days ago.
The trainer sent her down to KwaZulu-Natal for three months after her maiden victory where she tried her luck seven times, mostly on the polytrack, but with no success.
Back at home, a much better performance is expected.
Clive Robinson
