Mike has given his runner previews for the Gauteng meeting, Tuesday 29 August. It will take place on the inside track, he has five runners carded and the comments come courtesy of Betway.
First up, newcomer Fire Fire in Race 1 over 1200m. She is a daughter of Fire Away and Tawakul, by Dalakhani, and Mike commented: “Fire Fire is not showing us all that much in work and she will need much further than 1200m. If one looks at her pedigree that is not surprising. We’ll see how she goes on this introductory run and take it from there.”
Japanese Star debuts in Race 2 over 1200m. He is a colt by impressive freshman Danon Platina and Mike said: “He is another one looking for further and this outing will bring him on. I think he will be kicking on late in the race, so it’s not inconceivable that he can run into the money.”
Outer Dimension (Race 3, 2000) was a bit one-paced in third after moving up well in a 1800m race recently and Mike said: “Outer Dimension is not without ability. She was hanging a bit last time, lugging in and didn’t go through with it. She is definitely bred for the trip being by Vercingetorix out of a Galileo mare. I’m putting blinkers on. I think the extra 200m will bring some ability out and the blinkers will help her to be a bit more genuine in the finish. She’s still a bit weak, but will win her races in time to come. I’m expecting a good run, include her in everything.”
There was a lot to like about Sharapova’s comeback run over 1400m on 12 August and she is set to make up for that narrow defeat in Race 6 over 1450m. Van der Merwe retains the ride. Said Mike: “That was a top run last time and I think she’ll go close here.”
Zinovi, too, was impressive when he returned to the track with a good third in a decent field last week. He’s back to 1200m on the track of his only win and Mike noted: “This run comes quite quick after last week, which can make one apprehensive sometimes. But that will be okay, I think. He’s not straight forward in the wind, which worries me more than anything. He has plenty of ability, but it’s hard to give confidence given his wind problems. He must be included though, don’t ignore him.”
