Despite drawing a rare blank on Charity Mile Day, it’s been business as usual for leading trainer Tony Peter as he saddled a double at the subsequent Highveld meeting.
He enjoyed a 100% return at the midweek fixture last Thursday, as both of the stable’s runners delivered for favourite-backers on Turffontein’s Inside track. Runaway 10-length winner Ancient Wisdom under Gavin Lerena and Doitwithdiamonds ridden by Calvin Habib did not disappoint.
History could repeat itself on Thursday 14 November when racing returns to the Inside track at Turffontein for an eight-race card on which Peter sends out several attractive betting propositions.
In Race 1, a Work Riders Maiden Plate over 1500m, unexposed Peter-trained filly Mist In Ireland could be the value proposition.
Her debut fourth over 1160m on the Standside track was very encouraging.
This daughter of Danon Platina would’ve benefitted from that experience and is open to any amount of improvement, especially over the extended distance she is bred to enjoy.
This is, however, not a one-horse race.
Trainer St John Gray, who saddles Spy Story, and Grant Maroun’s Scarlet, also have solid Eachway chances.
Both these runners are owned by their conditioners.
Peter’s Safe Space is a confident selection to win Race 2 under Chase Maujean.
This five-year-old Elusive Fort gelding caught the eye in a stronger race just nine days ago when running on to finish a close-up second in a 1700m Vaal handicap, and a repeat of that effort should suffice for the consistent class-dropper, despite racing off a career-high mark under a resultant three-point penalty.
With Safe Space good value to go one better in Race 2, the stable’s strong start to the meeting could spill over to the following event too.
Peter and Lerena team up again in Race 3 and are likely to add to their already impressive record with returning Vibe SA in the 1200m Maiden Plate. This four-year-old son of Just As Well has been costly to follow but wouldn’t be winning out of turn, having finished second in six of his eight outings including all three Highveld appearances since joining Peter’s stable after relocating from Gareth van Zyl’s KwaZulu-Natal base.
Vibe SA hasn’t been seen since 4 July but boasts by far the strongest form in the race, so he needn’t be fully wound up to make a winning comeback, and the booking of Lerena augurs well. The latter has ridden 9 winners from 27 rides for the Peter stable at an impressive 33% strike-rate.
A Safe Space-Vibe SA Double should yield a decent dividend, while TAB’ Pick 3 offering is even more attractive, so bettors should include Mist In Ireland and maximise their winnings.
Clive Robinson
