The Brett Crawford-trained Billy Bowlegs makes a comeback run at Turffontein on Thursday 29 February in a Progress Plate over 1500m where he will face just eight challengers.
Last seen in the Summer Cup, Billy Bowlegs attracted a fair share of market support, shortening to 8-1 from an initial 16-1. However, he disappointed on the day and was pulled up after not striding out.
A Grade 3-winner, this son of The United States was most impressive as a three-year-old, finishing third in the Grade 1 SA Classic and runner-up in the Grade 1 SA Derby.
He has only been in action three times since turning four, and has not been able to produce the form that saw his rating shoot up to 118, earning him a spot in the Durban July.
Although he has done his best work over 1800m, he could well flash up to take the honours over a distance considered a touch sharp.
Gimme A Shot, from the yard of Mike and Adam Azzie, looks a serious threat.
This daughter of Gimmethegreenlight is back on the Highveld after a somewhat disappointing excursion to Cape Town, where she contested the Grade 2 Cartier Sceptre Stakes as well as the Grade 1 Majorca Stakes – without success.
Back on home turf, a much better showing is expected, especially considering she is the second best weighted runner in the field behind Billy Bowlegs.
While Billy Bowlegs looks to be Crawford’s best runner on the day, the trainer could find himself in the winner’s enclosure with Donna Mo and Lady Crusade as well.
Donna Mo lines up in Race 7, a MR72 Handicap over 1800m. This three-year-old filly loved going this distance last time out to record her first career win and there is every reason to believe she can follow up. Although she hasn’t drawn ideally in gate 13, she is expected to use her gate speed to good effect.
Dimako’s Jet, who won impressively at the second time of asking, should relish the longer distance and rates the biggest threat.
In Race 8, a MR72 Handicap over 1000m, Lady Crusade looks poised to strike for the second time in her short career.
After two place-finishes after her maiden victory, she can get back to winning ways over the shortest distance.
Hat-trick seeking In The Ether looks the main danger. Grant Marooun’s charge did beat Lady Crusade recently, but on revised weights that form should be reversed.
Clive Robinson
