Grand runs forecast for Crawford duo

Jack Milner

The World Sports Betting Grand Heritage over 1475m at the Vaal on Saturday is really a unique event in South African racing.

This R500,000 Non-Black Type affair is the only race in the country that contains more than 20 runners and is run over a distinctive distance.

With a full field of 28 runners the Grand Heritage cavalry charge looks as competitive as always, but James Crawford believes the stable’s two runners on Saturday both have excellent chances. James, 23, who runs the satellite yard on the Highveld for father Brett, will saddle Irish Tractor and Gallic Tribe.

Gallic Tribe is currently quoted at 16-1 and Crawford believes that price is good value. “He’s a horse who has his little niggles. He can sweat up a bit at track and more so with racing, but he’s been a different horse on the Highveld.

“He won his debut run comfortably, without pressure. Last time, when he finished fourth, he raced three wide up the hill at Turffontein so I wouldn’t look at his last start as any indication of his true ability.

“He is a natural front-running galloper, he will be up with the speed and I believe he will run a cracker. He has to be respected and with 53kg on his back I expect him to be in the first four,” said Crawford.

There is, however, perhaps a slight preference for Irish Tractor, who finished a five-length sixth in the Grade 2 Allied Steelrode Onamission Charity Mile at Turffontein last time from draw No 15 of 16 runners.

“If he had a draw, I think he wins the race,” said Crawford. “I haven’t had him in a better race. He likes the fight, likes it when he has a horse who keeps challenging him.

“His final gallop going into the race was top class and when Kabelo (Matsunyane) was given the option of the two he took Irish Tractor without hesitation.

“But while I probably prefer him of the two the fact Irish Tractor gives 5.5kg to Gallic Tribe perhaps levels the playing field a little.”

Irish Tractor is currently quoted at 8-1.