Draw concern for Gimme A Shot

Jack Milner

The R1-million bonus for a Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara winner has been claimed for the last two years with War Of Athena and Rain In Holland taking the respective honours.

The winner of Saturday’s Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas over 1600m on the Turffontein Standside track will determine whether it can be won three times in a row.

There is no question that Gimme A Shot stands out in the Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas. This Mike and Adam Azzie-trained daughter of Gimmethegreenlight has run six times for three wins, two seconds and a third place but it is her penultimate run that put her head and shoulders above her rivals.

On that occasion she ran in the Grade 2 Ipi Tombe Stakes for fillies and mares over 1600m, a weight-for-age event, and she trounced her opposition by 3.50 lengths. There were some decent older fillies in that event and Gimme A Shot made them look second rate.

Interestingly, Feather Boa, who is regarded as her chief rival in the Fillies Guineas, was left floundering in third spot in the Ipi Tombe Stakes. They met at level weight on that occasion and they meet on the same terms this time.

To prove her wellbeing, Gimme A Shot returned from a short break in a sprint over 1200m and despite the drop in distance, coasted home by three lengths.

“I don’t think she’s done much wrong,” said Adam Azzie on Wednesday. “She’s a filly who after winning her maiden, has been exposed to feature-race form. They speak for the amount of ability she has.”

However, he has issued a warning, and that is her No 11 draw. “Her wide draw and that of some of the other fancied runners, has made the race a little more open.

“Good horses can win despite having a lot of obstacles, but they can also get beaten when the obstacle come up in the wrong place during the race.”

As a result, he feels the start will be important. “It will depend on how quickly she finds her position in the race. Her prep has gone well, she’ll just need some luck.”

JP van der Merwe has ridden her to victory and he will be given the job to get her well placed.

Once you look past her the race become quite open with all of Fillies Mile winner Emirate Gina, Feather Boa, Bless My Stars and Orarari Gold with lively chances.