Sossusvlei ready to step up to 1600m
Danie Toerien
TRAINER Robert Barrett could hold the key on Wednesday at Hollywoodbets Durbanville for bettors who enjoy a Pick 6.
Sossusvlei, his three-year-old colt by Erik The Red, looks a very promising sort after shedding his maiden at the second time of asking when trying the tight Durbanville course for the first time. That victory came over 1400m.
On Wednesday he lines up in Race 6, a C Stakes event over 1600m, with a merit rating of 88, making him the highest rated runner in the field of seven.
The form of his first victory has been well franked, with both second-placed Bullet Tooth Tony and fourth-placed Premier Winter having won subsequently.
Muzi Yeni, who piloted Sossusvlei to victory last time, retains the ride. They will have the added benefit of jumping from pole position after starting in gate 8 last time.
The two main rivals seem to be Danny Atlas and Bourbon King.
Danny Atlas, from the stable of Glen Kotzen, progressed steadily in four starts in KwaZulu-Natal to finally exit the maidens.
The form of his victory race over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Greyville has also worked out well, with second-placed Dreadnought and seventh-placed Preux Chavalier having won in the 54 days since that race.
The only concern is that Danny Atlas and Chad Little will be jumping from gate 7.
The Andre Nel trained Bourbon King should not be judged on his last run as he was held up in traffic and had to be eased just 100m from the line.
Andrew Fortune, who has ridden Bourbon King twice – for a win and a third place – gets back aboard. It is important to note that Bourbon King has progressed since the addition of blinkers and the headgear is unsurprisingly retained for the outing.
On a tough card for punters, Sossusvlei could be considered a Pick 6 banker to keep perm costs down – otherwise, perhaps include the field.
In Race 5, a Class 4 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1400m, Sabre Wing could give trainer Greg Ennion another well-deserved stint in the winner’s enclosure.
The three-year-old finished a close-up second in her first post-maiden outing over the course and distance. Bumped up just two points for that result, she looks ready to pounce again with Keagan de Melo back in the saddle.
Selections:
Race 1: 2 Tequila Tango, 1 Stitchintime, 6 Green Sensation, 7 Snow Sniper
Race 2: 2 Tag And Release, 4 Gold Dust, 3 Marcus Aurelius, 1 Kelp Forest
Race 3: 3 Sign Of Spring, 2 Gimme Perfect, 7 Jack A Dandy, 4 Paradigm Shift
Race 4: 1 Boogiefied, 4 Hero’s Journey, 2 Major Master, 6 Mente Et Manu
Race 5: 4 Sabre Wing, 7 South Of France, 8 First Bloom, 3 Mighty Mary
Race 6: 1 Sossusvlei, 7 Danny Atlas, 4 Bourbon King, 6 Havoc
Race 7: 6 Wehaveasituation, 3 Old Harry Rocks, 2 Landseer, 9 Elusive Gift
Race 8: 8 Peace Sign, 5 October Rush, 1 Gimme More Apache, 2 Oh So Onederful