HERE are assistant trainer John Buckler’s comments on the stable’s runners in the Grade 1 races on Classic Day at Turffontein, Saturday:

SA CLASSIC:
“Silver Flyer will be a lot fitter than last time and we’re expecting a much-improved run. He’s a different horse.  He’s never shown much at home and he’s badly drawn, but he’s well. We gave Mushreq a break when he came back from Cape Town and he might just need the run. We’re looking at running him in the Derby. He disappointed in Cape Town but his work is good.  Golden Chateau is fit and well and the extra 200m will suit him. He bumps a stronger field but he’s been working well. We’ll know on Saturday whether the Guineas form stands up.  Royal Ridge has been a bit unreliable, but his also been showing a lot in work and if he reproduces his best and sees out the 1800m he will be in the finish. Governor General is better than his Guineas run. He’s drawn wide so we will have to slot him in and hope he runs on.”

Kavanagh (Horse Chestnut Stakes).

SA FILLIES CLASSIC:
“Amanee’s comeback run was impressive against the colts. But she’s still in Durban and will only come up to Johannesburg on Saturday.  Ilha Bela is very well.  She will be better suited to 1800m and I think she will run a big race. Bluroute is a nice filly but on work Ilha Bela is better. Winged Foot has some good Durban form but I don’t know too much about her, she arrives with Amanee Saturday.”

HORSE CHESTNUT STAKES:
“Kavanagh is really well, on work I’d like to say he will win, but we will have to see how he sees out the mile. Rudra is coming off a break and will need it.  We’re going to run him again in next Saturday’s Colorado King Stakes with a view to the Champions Challenge.  We’re expecting a big run from Solo Traveller, who has had two good runs for us.  He’s better on the outside track and over 1600m.”