Winds Of Change is expected to produce a whirlwind performance in the card opener at the Vaal on Thursday 4 April, a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1200m.
Trained by Mike and Adam Azzie, this son of What A Winter was runner-up in both his career starts to date. It must, however, be noted that he was pipped by two brilliant individuals.
On debut, in a Listed event over 1100m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, Winds Of Change finished just 0.4-lengths behind Roman Agent, who scored his second career win on that occasion.
Next time out, in a Grade 3 race again at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, Winds Of Change reversed the form and finished well ahead of Roman Agent, but was beaten by One Stripe.
Considering that Roman Agent and One Stripe are unofficially rated at 102 and 106 respectively, it is obvious that Winds Of Change is a class act.
He does look to be a cut above the field he faces on Thursday.
In Race 2, a Maiden Juvenile Plate for fillies also over 1200m, the Brett Crawford-trained Kindred Heart should finally reward her followers after being solidly backed in all three her first runs.
This daughter of Erupt did finish close-up in every start, but considering the amount of money she has attracted, it is now time for her to strut her stuff.
The trainer has, rather interestingly, charged Piere Strydom to ride Kindred Heart in favour of Kabelo Matsunyane, who was in the irons for her first three outings.
Matsunyane will be riding the Lucky Houdalakis-trained Willowild, a filly that has not really produced a jaw-dropping run yet.
The highlight of the day’s racing is undoubtedly Race 5, a Class B Handicap for fillies and mares over 1400m.
Cape Lights, a four-year-old daughter of Ideal World, has not been the most consistent of late but has the uncanny ability of bouncing back just when it looks as if she is starting to lose her form.
She inevitably follows up a poor run with something special, and having finished six lengths behind Sea Anemone in a similar contest last time out, Roy Magner’s charge is expected to put that run behind her and pop up when it counts most.
She does face a number of formidable foes, especially stable companions Elegant Ice and Alabama Anna.
The pair, trained by Houdalakis, will be hard to peg back if producing a team effort.
Elegant Ice finished runner-up in two consecutive Class A events recently and should again give a very good account of herself, while Alabama Anna has not been beaten more than one length in her last four outings.
Platina Princess, Soldier’s Eye, Gimmealight and Bold Act also have money claims, so expect a humdinger.
Clive Robinson
