KZN racing on Sunday - The Poinsettia Stakes.by Leon Setaro

KZN racing on Sunday - The Poinsettia Stakes.

by Leon Setaro


We’re presented with the usual tough punting scenario at this time of year as the Cape raiders threaten to take over in a power display of million dollar race-flesh and formline. It’s still early days though and 16 of the 17 Cape visitors carded at Clairwood on Sunday step out here in KZN for the first time this season which makes things all the more difficult to predict. A race bound to answer many questions is the headliner Poinsettia stakes, an eye-watering quality lineup of group winning fillies and this is how we like to roll into the KZN season!


Gilded Minaret (file pic)

No.1 Gilded Minaret 10/1
Top class multiple graded feature race winner over further, she also has the speed to handle sprints but will need to be spot-on to trouble this star quality field. No feedback from the connections but judging by the stable jock going with the coupling Loupe, she looks to be the 2nd choice and probably just having a prep run to bring her on.



Charming Lady (file pic)

No.2 Charming Lady 6/1
Arguably KZN’s best sprinting filly, she’s stayed on top of everything that’s been thrown at her but in comparison this is a lineup of gargantuan proportions. Most of her 6 wins have been by narrow margins until last time out where an unusual scenario saw the riderless (jock tossed at start) Press for Peace come through late and pull clear of the field. This set Charming Lady ablaze and she too shot clear of the field in pursuit which gives the impression that she needs a top class opponent for a proper test. Judging by Dennis Drier’s response to questions about her wellbeing, she can be expected to put in a dynamite performance.


Sparkling Gem (Friday)

No.10 Sparkling Gem 15/10 (claimed from 3/1)
Trainer Justin Snaith’s plan with Sparkling Gem is clear - She’s a group1 winning filly and she’s going for the group1 races. He reports that she’s doing well, is currently about 80% fit and expected to win. Assuming that she does hold her own here, she will then take her place in the Grade1 SA Fillies Sprint on May 30th and then onto July day for the Grade1 Garden Province stakes.



Consensual (Friday)

No.11 Consensual 12/1
Looking at her CPT form she appears to have lost a bit of her early sparkle but assistant trainer Robert Fay D’Herbe reports that she’s putting in excellent work and is fit and ready.

Lady Windermere (Thurs)

No.12 Lady Windermere 5/1
Glen Kotzen is full of praise for Lady Windermere and very bullish about her winning. He considers Sparkling Gem as the only possible concern but still expects to have her measure




Winterinthewoods (Thurs) reportedly looking for further


In race 3 Tyron Norton saddles No.2 Final Contract (28/10) and reports that he’s primed to put in a winning performance. There's almost nothing for him to beat here although the first timer No.11 Winter Cruise has been claimed into 12/10 favourite so watch out for this one.

In race 4 No.12 Time to Travel has been claimed in from 6/1 to 3/1 outright favourite, I remember him from last year.. a massive imposing type who undoubtedly has ability but with only 4 runs under the belt at 5 years old there must be problems. No.1 Kabamba (5/1) is in with a big chance in this lineup, his last two runs (although placing in both) were below par probably due to the poor track conditions on both occasions. He's got the talent to win a race of this nature and must be included in all bets. ,No.4 Topspin (8/1) brings consistent form in from the Cape and could be anything. Michael Roberts' runner No.8 Indecent Obsession (10/1) put up a promising come back run after his rest and further improvement puts him in with a big chance - 10/1 good value. No.11 Quick Retort (10/1) is an impressive looking 3yr old who won on debut and is worth keeping an eye for the future. No.13 Top Office (25/1) is lightening fast on his day and carrying 49.5kgs he can get away if Rivalland has him fit enough.

In Race 5 the six Cape horses hold the top 6 spots on the betting boards; from what I've been told this is some of the Cape's finest in this race. Probably pointless then to make mention of the locals but if you’re after surprises, No.7 Gortahawk (10/1) is showing promise and looked exceptional last time out. No.9 Emperador (14/1) is still battling to reach his potential but back over 1450m he's set to put in a much improved performance so keep an eye on him

Race 7 and once again the CPT raiders are set to feature prominantly. One that could blow them all away though is No.2 Extinct (9/2). We haven't seen him out much in the last year but he's unstoppable against his KZN peers and if primed and ready it will take something exceptional to beat him. No.9 Haddaway (20/1) didn't get cover last time out and blew his race before the home straight, he's shown a liking for the 1200m and with only 51.5kgs he's a value contender at long odds.

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In other news local jockey Sean Cormack had to undergo cosmetic surgery on Thursday to repair tissue damage to his cheek and nose area after being kicked by Asian Affair on the way to the start on Sunday.



Dancer's Daughter almost content to take it easy in her work

Dancer's Daughter is doing well after her hard campaign in the Cape and JHB and trainer Justin Snaith is taking no chances with her prep choosing to bring her back slowly and safely to peak


Dancer's Daughter takes a roll after her workout around the Clairwood track


Summerveld regular Robbie Hill (pictured here riding work for Mike Bass on Friday) has been lured to Clairwood by the rich pickings on offer during season time


Thanks again to Leon and Interbet

Thanks Leon some nice pictures.