Runners, Saturday and Tuesday

Mike sends two newcomers to the track at Turffontein on Saturday. They’re both in Race 1, a Maiden Plate for fillies over 1160m. Dupont Emerald (by Querari) and Oasis (by Vercingetorix) are both beautifully bred, but he is not able to give much confidence about them.

He said: “I haven’t seen enough from either of them in home gallops. This race will show us where we stand, I cannot say more than that or give punters more confidence, they will come on from the run.”

Mike is more upbeat about well-performed Destiny Of Fire, who comes into Race 4 over 1400m with only 52.5kg to shoulder. “She pulled up slightly distressed after her run in the Fillies Mile on Summer Cup Day so that wasn’t her best. I think she is a really nice type of filly and a big runner at the weights in this handicap.”

Littlemaryshunshine takes her place in the Listed 4Racing War Of Athena Handicap over 1800m. She comes off a rest following a below-par run in the Yellowwood Handicap in early November, but she was bumped at the start day and had a valid excuse.

Mike said: “Littlemarysunshine is a capable filly at her best, she’s run some very good races in similar company, so I won’t leave her out of exotic bets. She is fresh and well, and has a shout with 53,5kg.”

Littlemarysunshine is carded to race again at the Vaal next Tuesday – Mike has left her as an entry in Race 4 over 1800m in case of rain at Turffontein’s Saturday meet.

Also on Tuesday, well-related Cherry Oh Baby steps out in Race 1 over 1400m and Mike said: “She is doing fine at home and I think she will enjoy the straight 1400m. We give her a money chance.”