Pocket power returns

Horse of the Year Pocket Power will have his first run since winning his third consecutive J & B Met in January next weekend at Clairwood, where a new race has been framed especially for the South African champion.

The six-year-old will run in the specially convened Pinnacle Stakes on May 24 as he starts off en route to the Durban July in which he dead-heated with Dancer'sDaughter last season.

The Drill Hall Stakes is the traditional stepping stone to the big race but, when trainer Mike Bass decided that last Friday's Grade 2 would not suit, racecourse owner Gold Circle agreed to stage a special race for the champion.

Candice Robinson, Bass's assistant, said: "Pocket Power wasn't ready for the Drill Hall and he wouldn't have run well in it so they kindly put on a race on for him.

"He will then run in the Gold Challenge at Clairwood on June 13 before going for the July."

Pocket Power will carry 9st 9lb in the Pinnacle, a conditions race over an extended 7f, and he will meet his opponents on up to 20lb better than handicap terms.

His big rival Dancer's Daughter will sidestep the Pinnacle but is due to take on Pocket Power in both the Gold Challenge and the July.

Jonathan Snaith, brother and business partner of trainer Justin Snaith, said: "We want to run her as little as possible because of the little injury she had so she will start off in the Gold Challenge."

The British-bred mare knocked a splint bone on her near-fore in March and Snaith decided to cut short her Johannesburg campaign and aim her at the Durban July.

Great stuff Hibby.

Thanks for the help with the graphics again!

why do u post under abc mod and hibernia?

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