By his high standards, Highveld conditioner Johan Janse van Vuuren had a quiet festive period, but things are about to hot up. He has only two runners at the Vaal on Tuesday, but both look to have big chances, and it could be the time to start following the yard.
Title-chasing Gavin Lerena is aboard Van Vuuren’s first runner, Bad Medicine, who lines up in Race 2, a Maiden Plate run over 2000m. The well-bred son of Vercingetorix has been a steady improver but was backed into favourite when trying the distance last time and after travelling well he ran out of steam and ended in fourth.
It was a creditable run, however, as he encountered quite soft ground and after a slow start he rushed through the gears to get into a decent position. He tried to rally but the going was never going to suit a young three-year-old with a decent action and he finished fatigued.
He should turn in a much stronger performance in his second try over the distance especially if the going comes up as good.
Bad Medicine has already finished ahead of main protagonists Lightinthestorm, Casus Belli and Santiago’s Pride and with improvement to come shouldn’t stop this time.
Lerena has more rides aboard runners with strong form but it is interesting to note he is not on Van Vuuren’s other runner, promising filly Cosmic Queen. The reason could be that with 54.5kg she just falls below the minimum weight at which Lerena can ride which at a push is 55kg.
Hard-working Chase Maujean gets the ride aboard the svelte looking daughter of Var and if her maiden win is anything to go by, she could be an armchair ride. Cosmic Queen with Lerena up sauntered in to beat well-bred Vercingetorix gelding Alesian Beau by 4.25 lengths over 1000m.
She was backed to win her maiden six months prior, but was very green in that race, stumbling near the end and it is significant that the horse who beat her, Poblano, has recently shown potential at the highest class.
Poblano ran second to champion filly Almond Sea in the Betway Swallow Stakes recently and Cosmic Queen, who has developed beautifully, may now be ready for a rematch. She is running in Race 7, a MR 94 Handicap, but could be headed for bigger and better things so this could be an easy stepping-stone.
Lerena can be followed throughout as he has been securing some of the very best rides in his bid to be crowned champion again. Ceuta (Race 4) and more so Phantom Express (Race 8) in particular rate solid form choices.
One race where we could see a huge fight is Race 6 where trainer Lucky Houdalakis will be hoping Royal Force, who cruised in on debut, could be a horse for the upcoming SA Triple Crown. He takes on Grade 3 fourth-placed finisher Potberrie who has turned into quite a hardy and smart individual.
Filly Palace Dancer (Lerena) is no slouch and is also headed for the top fillies’ events.
Clive Robinson
