Oklahoma Twister could blow opposition away

Danie Toerien

Trainer Heinrich van der Westhuizen sends out two runners at the Vaal on Tuesday and, while they have not quite gripped the imagination of bookmakers, bettors who ignore them do so at their own peril.

In Race 8, a MR68 Handicap over 1600m, Oklahoma Twister is back in action over the track and trip where he tasted success in his penultimate when beating Dylan's Champ by 1.25-lengths.

That race has produced two subsequent winners, so that form line looks pretty solid.

Oklahoma Twister's last run 12 days ago when he finished sixth, beaten 3.30-lengths by Palace Prince, is not a true reflection of his current form. That race, over 1 450m, was a tad short for the son of The United States at this stage of his career.

Quoted at 6-1 on Monday, Oklahoma Twister has shortened to 15-4, but still looks a very good value proposition.

"I must agree with you. He is in a very good space. He's fit and ready," said the trainer on Monday.

"I also believe the going will suit him. I give him a solid eachway chance."

According to Van der Westhuizen, Oklahoma Twister is not the easiest of horses.

"He's a guy that every now and then can shoot himself in the foot with where he places himself in a race. But Jeff (Jeffery Syster) knows him well and he knows how to work with him.

"If everything goes well, I expect him to produce a top-three run. He pulled up very well after his last race so I am confident he will be at his best, despite the short turnaround time."

According to Van der Westhuizen, a bit of overnight rain will also do his runner more good than harm.

"I believe that this time of year, progeny of The United States must be watched. Those horses love this kind of going. The heavier the track, the better they get. Unfortunately it hasn't quite yet rained enough for him.

"When we bought this horse at the auction, even his grooms were afraid of him. He was a little monster. We have now finally managed to get him calmer. You'll see, nowadays he tends to go out first. He does have his mannerisms, and he is not an easy one. He is also not the easiest to race, but when he puts his head down, he gives his everything."

Earlier, in Race 4, a MR75 Handicap over 2 400m, Syster will be aboard Volte Face for Van der Westhuizen.

According to the trainer, this Twice Over gelding is much better than his last run.

"If you look at his last race, he just didn't get a clear run," said Van der Westhuizen. Volte Face was indeed blocked off a number of times by the horse in front of him, and he seems to lack the confidence to try and squeeze through small gaps.

It is interesting to note that Volte Face seems to do much better in smaller fields, where there is less scrummaging.

His last ten races saw him compete in fields of ten runners or less on four occasions. Those four runs resulted in a win and two runner-up finishes. With only eight runners carded to face the starter in Race 4 on Tuesday, Volte Face could easily get the run of the race.

"My only concern is that he doesn't like the expected going. He is not one for a soft track. But the distance will suit him perfectly," said Van der Westhuizen.