Tarry on Derby day runners

On Derby Day this Saturday, Tarry sends out a 16-strong team across the 10-race programme on Turffontein’s Standside track and bettors, whether staunch followers of the yard or not, will do well to respect the chances of his runners and include several of them in their play.

 “Listen, it’s a hard day and tough racing, but my runners are well and they’ll be going out trying,” said Tarry on Wednesday.

Regarding the chances of his charges in the 2450m Grade 1 SA Derby (Race 8), Tarry is of the opinion that Flying Carpet and Shah Akbar could pose a threat to Triple Crown-seeking Malmoos, who won the Grade 2 Gauteng Guineas and Grade 1 SA Classic in the first two legs.

“Flying Carpet ran well in the Classic. I was happy with that run and he should get the trip,” said Tarry of the Judpot colt who, on the evidence of his fast-finishing fourth in the SA Classic, should make his presence felt in the Derby, despite a wide draw.

He added: “Shah Akbar is out of a Galileo mare so could also improve over ground.”

In the Grade 2 Wilgerbosdrift SA Oaks (Race 7), Tarry is more hopeful than expecting his charge, Magical Flight, to deny War Of Athena Triple Tiara glory. “She’ll be hard to beat. We’re venturing into the unknown with our filly, who has place prospects if staying the distance.”

Tarry is represented in each of the 10 events but is particularly strong with his two-year-olds early on the card and is expected to get off to a winning start with Rain In Holland in Race 1.

This Duke Of Marmalade filly was backed on debut when finishing second over 1450m on the Inside track and that experience would have brought her on.

“She’s a nice filly who will be better suited to the Standside track. The deep draw is a concern and there are some nicely bred first-timers in the race, so I’d say she has an eachway chance,” said a cautiously optimistic Tarry, who was more upbeat regarding the chances of improving Kuuma, a son of Lance (who he also trained).

“He’s doing very well at home and looking for the extra ground now. I expect him to be competitive!”

Tarry is double-handed in Race 3 and said of his runners: “Viper Jet may just need it but will be running on and Urban Rock has come down the ratings, so I expect improvement.”

Stable stars Chimichuri Run and Eden Roc are joined by Mombela in Race 4, Leg 1 of the carryover Pick 6 MEGAPOOL which is likely to reach R5 million, and Tarry said of his trio, “For Chimi and Eden, this a prep run for the Computaform Sprint but both are doing well and should give good accounts of themselves.”

Asked if slow-starting veteran Mombela is up to the task, “I can tell you he’s not out of it. He’s well in himself and if they go hard up front, he’ll be finishing on top of them.”

Speedy Querari filly Slalom Queen ran at the Vaal just nine days ago but Tarry isn’t too concerned by the short turnaround time and her quick reappearance in the Grade 3 Man O’ War Sprint (Race 5).

“It doesn’t bother me, she’s fit and comes into the reckoning with just 51.5kg on her back.”

Got The Greenlight is likely to be all the rage come Race 6, the Grade 1 HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes over 1600m, but Tarry’s three-pronged attack warrant their inclusion in the line-up and aren’t without a chance.

“Ikigai won the Guineas over the course and distance but may just need it,” being the second run after a long rest for this Vercingetorix colt.

“Tierra Del Fuego bounced back to form last time (over this track and trip). He has a bit to find at the weights but isn’t out of it either, place chance.”

The pick of the Tarry’s trio, though, is undoubtedly Cirillo “He may have needed his last run (first start back on the Highveld since returning from Cape Town). He’s doing well at home and has a good eachway chance given the conditions of the race.”

Lord Silverio took no interest when last seen nine days ago but Tarry is of the opinion that his charge could give a better account reverting to a staying trip in Race 9.

“His last run over shorter (1800m) was a shocker, slightly concerning, but he’s better than that and would have a place chance on his previous run,” when finishing five lengths off Chitengo in the Aquanaut Handicap.

Rock The Globe is the last of the Tarry representatives on the card and also lines up with an eachway chance in Race 10.

“He’s another who’s doing well at home. He’s been holding his form and is capable of running well back in a sprint, eachway chance.”

When pressed for an answer regarding his best runner and/or winning chance on the day, Tarry was again quick to exercise caution but did hint that one of his youngsters may be able to deliver the goods.

“Like I said earlier, it’s competitive throughout the day. My horses are well, they’re in a god space and will be going out trying… probably one of the juveniles,’ he concluded.

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