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No. 1848 ISSN 1023 / 6996
MONDAY 2nd - THURSDAY 5th JULY 2012 New Kid. Mr Premier needs to confirm last win was no fluke
FLAMINGO PARK
12:20pm (Monday) p.5
VAAL TURF
12:10pm (Tuesday) p.12
DURBANVILLE
12:25pm (Wednesday) p.25
VAAL SAND
12:35pm (Thursday) p.33
RUGBY 5 PINNACLE STAKES over 1450m at the Vaal on Thursday
T
Sand specialist Mr Tobin suffered an unlikely defeat at his last start after a glorious purple patch. He should set the record straight when he clashes with his countryman Mr Premier in the Rugby 5 Pinnacle Stakes to be run over 1450m at the Vaal on Thursday.
he Buenos Airesbased Haras Firmamento bred both these sons of American-bred Mr Prospector stallion Numerous, and they stand out in what should be an intriguing tactical contest, despite the small field of only eight carded runners.
Experience Their last clash was over a mile and they drop down in distance here. Their paths to the clash that saw Mr Tobin dethroned by the new sand kid-on-theblock, were very different, and we are siding with the proven sand experience of the Tarry runner. Mr Tobin started a 1-5 favourite when beaten by Mr Premier on 7 June. Piere Strydom
rode him that afternoon and came in for some rather misguided criticicm for allegedly displaying too much confidence and leaving him with too much to do as Nuresh Juglall opportunistically skipped away on Mr Premier. That was an early race on an afternoon that was to show that the track was running very quick and that horses were not making up ground and being caught flat-footed. Sean Tarry switches Strydom to Follow The Piper and is opting for Gavin Lerena on Thursday. The promising rider has won twice on Mr Tobin, so knows him well.
Alive Mr Premier has revitalised a career that was headed absolutely nowhere since trying the sand and he won his second start last time in convincing style.
His rider did take advantage of the prevailing conditions and he now has to carry 1,5kgs more, but he looks like a fellow who has not won his last race here. The shorter distance may also favour his running style over that of the more relaxed Mr Tobin. The only filly in the race, and possibly the key to the outcome of the tactical battle, is Mr Tobin’s stablemate Follow The Piper, who appears to be regaining her form of late 2011 very quickly. The daughter of Tiger Ridge has enough pace to get to the front and make things hot, which will play into her stablemate’s hands. That is not to say that she is an expendable no-hoper. Piere Strydom rides her for the third time, which in itself is a sign of confidence and a positive indicator. She ran a solid second and 2,25 lengths off Prime Mover in a Vaal 1200m on the sand last time. That was a commendable effort as she stumbled twice during the running and yet still managed to finish with respectability.She had the likes of The Plunderer and Secret Life well beaten in that contest, and if we assume
that her stumbling issues have Strydom. His last victory was been sorted out, she could go an impressive one by 3 lengths very close. but he steps up in class here and should find the likes of Mr Say Something Tobin and Mr Premier too hot Steve Kenny’s Sayadaw is the to handle. most accomplished performer in Flowers the race, having won nine races to date.While he has not seen the The six year old former winner’s enclosure since January Derby winner Boquet-Garni 2011, his last run indicated a has the ability to win this on his flicker of hope when staying on best day, but he is inconsistfor third 2,75 lengths behind Mr ency personified. He would be Premier and Mr Tobin. He meets a surprise winner, but warrants the latter on the same terms again, a place consideration. but Mr Premier carries 1,5kgs He was giving away six kgs more, and that could level the when beaten four lengths by playing fields somewhat. Mr Premier three weeks ago in Strike Master was withdrawn a mile Pinnacle Stakes , and is from his last engagement three now closer to Kom Naidoo’s weeks ago as he was suffering gelding with only a 4,5kg from a virus. This Brazillian-bred weight difference. e. Mr Tobin son of Gilded Time likes to run also has him beaten as they meet handy, but has created problems on the same terms as they did for himself by being slow away at that day. That should not help his last few starts. He has won his cause, and he appears a trouover the course and distance, but bled fellow and has not won in looks held. He will also need to ten months. sow his well-being and that he is Brett Webber’s Tilman has suffering from no after effects of an interesting and quite frusthe virus. trating formline. The son of The Lecture gelding Sermon Windrush cracked his maiden is no slouch and something of a by eleven lengths at his first try sand specialist. He has won five on sand over the course and of his 28 starts,and interestingly distance , but has never earned all those wins were achieved in another cheque in his eight the hands of master pilot Piere other career runs.
The Race For The Million Will Go To The Swift Franny's er
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Logic We are going to give Mr Tobin the thumbs-up to restore himself as the unnoficial king of the sand. Everything points in that direction. He is fit, has a good draw at 1 and won’t let his opposition steal a march on him here. He really should not have been beaten last time. Mr Premier is an obvious danger, particularly if allowed to dictate matters. But with the wily Piere Strydom riding the talented Follow The Piper, we can’t see that happening. The prospect of an upset looks unlikely beyond the top three.
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HIGHLANDS
Few were faster than Franny in 2012 * Four starts * won Gr3 and Listed, * 2nd Gr1, 3rd Gr2
His last run was an improved showing when he ran on when it was all over to finish fifth and 4,50 lengths off the talented Beacon Flare in an MR 90 Handicap on today’s course and distance.He may improve for a place, but looks unlikely to topple the more seasoned professionals.
Franny
Tel: Mike Sharkey 082 372 2682 www.highlandsfarmstud.co.za