Danie Toerien
Trainer Paul Peter has widened the gap at the top of the Champion Trainer log to more than R4-million in total stakes won over defending champion Justin Snaith.
Although today’s race meeting at Turffontein only offers small change as far as stakes is concerned, the Highveld trainer will undoubtedly try to fill his pockets at every opportunity as the South African racing season heads into the last quarter.
Peter saddles no less than ten runners on the eight-race card and could well score a threesome to keep his till ticking over.
In Race 3, a MR95 sprint Handicap over 1000m, Mufasa could go ka-ching, ka-ching crossing the line.
Although this What A Winter gelding pulled up fatigued last time out, he is expected to jump right back to form. In that last race he faced a formidable field and, dropping down in class and distance, he is highly likely to return to winning ways.
Two challengers, Goliath Heron and Stormy Seas, are both on a hat-trick and are expected to pose a serious threat.
The latter, however, faces a lot stronger here than previously while the former was penalised 9 points for his last two efforts.
In Race 6 a FM 70 Handicap, Willow Lane is likely to confirm her sudden return to form after a break of three months. The only concern is that 1450m could be a bit sharp for this four-year-old filly.
She does top the speed ratings but will have to get going sooner than usual to score a fourth career victory. From gate 4 she will have the perfect opportunity to make the early running.
Secret Is Ours could see Peter adding to his cash register in the last, a MR 80 Handicap over 1600m.
By Dynasty, this grey gelding has recorded five top-four finishes from six attempts. He is holding form and should run another honest race.
The most likely challengers are Calibre Crest and Tattenham Hill. Both look above average and either could get into the action, however, the former has a wide draw to contend with while the latter is making his handicap debut.