A mundane Thursday meeting certainly picks up by the appearance of Main Defender in Race 7, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1200m on the Turffontein Inside Track.
The star three-year-old has won six of seven starts with his sole defeat at Greyville over 1600m at the highest level by Sandringham Summit.
The Paul Peter-trained gelding has been outstanding over 1400m but did win on debut over 1100m at Scottsville.
When seeing that he is drawn 11 in a field of 12 runners a few will be concerned, as he also takes on elders this time around and he will have bigger targets in mind. However, it is worth noting the last time he took on elders he thrashed Thunderstruck by 6.50-lengths at this course over 1450m in October.
Main Defender did only carry 50.5kgs that day but he could not have been more impressive.
Jockey Calvin Habib was aboard the Pathfork-gelding when he beat Barbareso last time out and he will be under pressure to keep Main Defender’s winning streak alive.
Fitness might be the key to two other possible winners on this card.
With a question mark behind at least three of her rivals Alabama Anna might prove best in Race 6.
The Lucky Houdalakis-trained filly picked up a 4-point penalty for her handicap win over Lady Fallon on 28 November and showed that she is capable of more wins when third last time over 1200m.
The 1400m suits her better and from a good draw in No 3 jockey Craig Zackey will have every chance of bringing her home in front.
Rivals Just Be Nice, Little Miz Swagger and Damova are all returning from a break and that may leave recent maiden winner Duenna as the main danger but that rival may find it tough only getting 3.50kgs.
One gets the feeling that the runners trained by Johan Janse van Vuuren may be ready to explode into action any day soon and it could be worth a strike on Linkin Navigator in the lucky last race.
This Danon Platina-gelding has been consistent and with only six starts behind him he is still open to good improvement.
Linkin Navigator has chased home two Sean Tarry-trained runners recently and can pull off a deserved second win.
Clive Robinson
