PHUMELELA MEDIA RELEASE
SUBJECT: Sage can’t split his Emerald Cup runners
DATE: Wednesday 21 September 2011
RELEASED BY: Phumelela Gaming and Leisure Limited
Given R100 to bet on Saturday’s Grade 2 Emerald Cup, trainer Robbie Sage says he would split it between his two runners – Art Wish and Iron Curtain.
“Dave Mollett asked me that question and quite honestly, I would put R50 on each of my runners,” Sage said on Wednesday. “ I just hope they both run good races.”
Art Wish is currently second favourite at 4-1 to win the R600,000 race over 1450m on the Vaal sand, while Iron Curtain, last year’s winner, is at 12-1. Stable jockey Gunter Wrogemann is aboard Art Wish and that has heightened speculation that he is the stable elect. However, the Strike Smartly gelding has not raced since beating Prime Mover over 1200m at this track in July.
Sage quickly put paid to any assertions that something had gone wrong with his runner’s preparation. “There have been no setbacks. It’s just that the programme didn’t suit us entirely.
“Art Wish had a merit rating of 94 and that meant he was not yet assured of a run. I then decided to go for a MR 90 Handicap over 1200m which he won. However, I also did not expect him to be kicked up seven points (3.5kg) for that victory.”
Sage added that he could have taken a gamble and gone for the Grade 3 August Stakes instead, but if he did not win or run well in that race, Art Wish may have not made the Emerald Cup field. ``Once he had that penalty I decided not to race him in the August Stakes because if he happened to win or run close, he would have got another penalty.
“Ideally I would like to have given him a run over 1000m but there was nothing available. They’ve got put a race on that is below the distance to give trainers a chance.”
In the meantime Art Wish has been ticking over nicely at home. “We have worked him to the best of our ability. I believe he is fit enough to win.”
Weichong Marwing will be on Iron Curtain and is apparently satisfied with the efforts of last year’s winner. “He ran in the August Stakes and finished seventh (5.75 lengths off The Mouseketeer). That 1200m is way too short. Weichong was very happy with the run. That was his second run after layoff and he should be fine for the Emerald Cup.”
Both of his runners drew reasonably well with Art Wish at No 7 and Iron Curtain at No 10. Both would come in two places if the reserve runners fall away. “Iron Curtain comes out quickly and travels very easily. Last year he won from draw No 12,” Sage pointed out. “Art Wish is not as quick but from that draw he should be fine.
“I’m have two top jockeys and it will be up to them to see what happens on the day. The track conditions change on the Vaal sand during the course of the meeting. It starts off more tightly compact and then loosens up as the day goes on. But Gunter and Weichong are two very capable boys.
“I think there is going to be a strong pace and I would like my runners to be laying just off that pace.”
Sage would not be drawn into discussion about his dangers. “I’m not really worried about the opposition. Every horse is a danger. In fact, the conditions and the pace are more of a danger. I’m not going to be worried by the other runners.
“Personally I would like to win the race again,” concluded Sage.
CURRENT EMERALD CUP BETTING
7-2 THE MOUSEKETEER
4-1 ART WISH
7-1 SAYADAW
8-1 ACROSS THE ICE, BURMESE CAT
10-1 EASTERN COBBLER
12-1 IRON CURTAIN, STORM CROSSING
14-1 QUEEN`S BAY
16-1 BOUQUET-GARNI, PRIME MOVER
20-1 MINA SALAAM
25-1 COMEDY CARAVAN
33-1 ALIMONY
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