Trainer Brett Webber looks to have two solid winning chances on the Standside track at Turffontein on Saturday, Mo Ment in Race 4 and King Of Numbers in Race 6.
Mo Ment ran out an impressive winner over 2600m last month when coming in for betting support and getting a peach of a ride. Jockey Jeffrey Syster admitted to getting the timing wrong the time before, but he now knows the four-year-old gelded son of Royal Mo well and the pair can follow up.
Mo Ment lines up in Race 4, a MR 80 Handicap over 2850m. He has won over 2400m and as he seemed to be getting stronger at the end of his last win over 2600m, there is every chance he will enjoy the extra.
Romeo’s Magic (58.5kg) also won in good style and importantly, he won at this venue, beating To The Rescue (60kg) convincingly. But both of those have achieved high ratings and carry bigger weights and may battle to catch fleetfooted Mo Ment with just 54.5kg on his back. But all three should feature in an easily catchable Trifecta.
King Of Numbers runs in Race 6, a MR 76 Handicap over 1400m, a race restricted to apprentice jockeys. Webber has engaged the services of up-and-coming youngster Jacey Botes, who claims the maximum 4kg.
King Of Numbers is another son of Royal Mo trained by Webber but one that much prefers 1400m.
This explains that while he ran fair races over 1600m after shedding his maiden over 1400m, he didn’t really finish those races off. Last time out he produced a strong finish from well off the pace to finish second best behind Pressonregardless over this course and distance.
The run was even better on paper as Pressonregardless had run way above his rating when second to Graded placed runner Hotarubi and as such, came in well weighted. Pressonregardless runs in the next race which is a much tougher MR 93 Handicap. King Of Numbers other run over the course and distance was a win, and an easy win at that, beating Just Var, who has won two races since then, as he liked on soft ground at the end of last year.
Webber is not the only trainer with strong runners on the day. Corne Spies will be expecting a big run from two-year-old Scorpio in Race 2, a race with plenty of well-bred newcomers.
The handsome grey was green and inexperienced when nevertheless showing some potential on debut. He has now been gelded and could realise what is expected of him. He is a half-brother to Mount Pinatubo, a highly rated (MR 108) colt from Johan Janse Van Vuuren’s yard.
Sean Tarry’s Bourbon Reserve, a beautifully bred son of What A Winter who has had his issues, retains ability and appeals as a well weighted value proposition in the last race of the day.
Clive Robinson
