The stable has six runners at Saturday’s Turffontein race meeting, scheduled for the standside track and featuring Race 7, the Grade 3 Sycamore Sprint over 1160m. Calantha represents the yard in this dash and Mike commented: “She takes a jump in class to Grade 3 company, but she’s a filly with ability and we’ve always said she is better than her rating. She has won twice over course and distance, doesn’t have a good draw but I think she’ll be involved. A definite inclusion for punters.”
Gimmeanotherchance returned from wind surgery and a rest when finishing a few lengths off Hotarubi a fortnight ago. He is expected to show improvement in Race 6 over 1400m. “He needed the run more than we expected last time and he’ll probably need this outing too, to get back to his best. We’d be happy with a progressive run.”
Listed winner Mary’s Greenlight is in good form and she’s beaten better rivals than the those she is facing in Race 8 over 1400m. In Andrew Fortune she has a jockey that should suit her and Mike said: “She is in good nick, a big runner.” Oxalis Gold joins Mary’s Greenlight in the race. She made a fair comeback at the Vaal recently and has a low, galloping weight in her favour, but Mike feels she is probably one more run short of her peak.
Sea Anemone and Roaming Spirit are entered for Race 9 over 1400m. Mike said: “Sea Anemone has in-and-out-form. She is capable, as we’ve seen, and she’s down to a lower rating. With Piere Strydom riding her, you can’t ignore her chances, but it is hard to predict how she will go. We’ve always thought of Roaming Spirit as a promising filly, I do prefer her here over Sea Anemone. I liked the way she won when stepped up to 1400m last time.”
Saturday’s HWB Scottsville meeting has been postponed and moved to Wednesday, 19 March. Mike has one runner, a newcomer named I’m A Fireball in Race 1 over 1000m. He is a Klawervlei-bred by Vercingetorix and Mike said: “He’s showing us good work at home, has a definite chance on his debut.”
