Just finished writing this on my new blog and thought I'd share.
What better way to start the new blog off than by doing a 10 to follow for the Jo'burg season that has just began. We have already seen some of the highly regarded make their seasonal appearances but all in all we have lots to look forward to. Let's begin!
Rikitikitana
(3yo colt - Toreador x Russian Foxtrot)
This son of Toreador looks like he has lots to offer in the future as he has yet to mature and given his dams exploits, we can see him rise in distance as well as merit rating. On his first 3yo start, he pulled for his head early before settling and rattling home from last to finish a respectable 3rd even after the rider lost his stick with about 200m to go.
He is in the capable hands of Mr Tarry and although he has been racing in Durban, we should see him come back to Jo'burg once the season is in full flow.
Swift Sarah
(3yo filly - Dynasty x Quebec Express)
This daughter of dynasty blew away the field when making her debut last season and although she struggled in the Allan Robertson, she will make a better 3yo. She proved this when she won her return to action in what looked a racecourse gallop as she lead from start to finish beating some smart sorts. Tarry has always thought she was a classics filly and I'm not going to question that. She will improve with racing as she is unexposed and will definitely be a lively contender for the fillies classics.
Bull Valley
(3yo Gelding - Toreador x Star of Liberty)
The only thing we all want to know about this smart sort is, does he stay? If he does, well then Dom Zaki has stumbled upon a jewel. He had just the one start at 2 which was arguably the best form line to follow in the 2yo ranks last season and he has been well saved for his 3yo campaign which he started off with a bang. Next up is the Graham Beck stakes which will begin to answer the burning question and I'm sure all racing fans will be itching to see him on a race track again soon.
Bichette
(4yo filly - Western Winter x Bardot)
Bichette will be looking to add a Gr. 1 victory to her already impressive CV this season. She finished a very good 4th in the Gr. 1 Tsogo Sun Sprint to close out her season after she had already won the Gr. 2 Camellia Stakes at turffontein.
Mac De Lago
(4yo c Encosta De Lago x Macavelli Miss)
This Australian bred son of Encosta De Lago is an unexposed type and should progress into a very decent horse this season. He finished his 3yo season really well as he finished 2nd in the KRA Guiness behind The Conglomerate before finishing a decent 5th from a terrible draw in the Daily News 2000. He remains fairly unexposed and looks a certain graded winner in the near future.
Mitraad
(4yo Gelding - Northern Meteor x Fondle)
This lightly raced 4yo is the epitome of an improver as he always just does enough to stay ahead of the handicapper. His heart is as big as they get and this gutsy sort could end up in the winners enclosure a lot more before the season is out. Potentially not as classy as some of the MdK stable stars of the past but this guy knows how to get the job done and sometimes that is enough.
Legal Eagle
(4yo gelding - Greys Inn x Young Sensation)
The Durban July favorite was not disgraced as he couldn't get involved in the finish in the country's biggest racing event. Potentially the course was his undoing or even the draw but he still ran a creditable race and there will be many more opportunities for the Jooste horse to show his class. The Summer Cup could be his first stop and I do see him going all the way to the top.
Lions Emblem
(5yo gelding - Lion Tamer x Model Emblem)
The most consistent stayer last season and although he hasn't landed any big prizes, he stays all day and will be looking to change that. He's a big strong type and I can see him getting better with age. He is due a big win and I'm sticking with him to get the job done.
Smart Mart
(4yo gelding - Mambo In Seattle x Joyful Dancer)
Already a 4 time winner for the MdK team and this versatile sort could be a serious force should he fulfill his potential. He not only possesses stamina but his ability to quicken at the end of a stamina test is impressive. Being in the very capable hands of MdK he should thrive as he matures and is one to keep onside.
Hawker Hurricane
(4yo filly - Ideal World x Milla)
This filly seemed to go off the boil towards the end of last season but ever since the first day I saw this filly, she looked a special type. She has tons of size and scope and relish a stamina test given her family connection to Fort Wood. Ideal World's progeny look like late maturing types and I'm hoping that this filly has loads more to offer in time to come.
On the fringe...
Jolie Roger
Super Glue
Negroamaro
Night On the Hill
Racing is all about opinion and as loyal followers of the game we become accustomed to having a bit of egg on our face once in a while. Come the end of the season, I might be gargling egg yolks but I'm willing to take a stab at this crazy puzzle.
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Think Legal Eagle will go on better than French Navy, that's why I didn't include. Also Bull Valley seems to have been saved for this 3yo campaign where as Prospect Strike was tried as a 2yo. I do like Prospect Strike as a horse and he could make me look a fool.
Mac, might be the case but was just taken by the size of this horse when I first saw her and think she has improving to do.
Think Rabada was just an early type and others should catch up this season. Abashiri could be something, but not Its biggest fan. Would like to see more.
I think a 10 to follow should be about trying to find future stars anc not established?
That`s why the 10 to follow comp in the uk and states get so much publicity because it gives the public a chance to see some of the Judges and trainers/jockeys horses to follow for a season..
I only have 5horses to follow this season.
Rabada, prospect strike, abishiri, bull valley and silver mountain.
The 1st three finishers on goldcup day are serious race horses and one can only imagine the result when the rivalry continues. Bull valley seems to be a freak of nature and silver mountain is the only 3 yo that excites me from the cape she seems a machine.
Kzn imo has some real poor horse. So none to follow from my kzn. Maybe, just maybe, exit here and main submission from charlie lairds yard but i have my doubts and imo seventh plain is more a sprinter.
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