WILGERBOSDRIFT SA FILLIES CLASSIC (GRADE 1) OVER 1800M

1 - DESERT MIRACLE                      60kg                     Draw 4

Trainer: Mike de Kock                    Jockey: S’manga Khumalo

This Dynasty filly has a Grade 2 and 3 victory on her resume. She was heavily backed in the Gauteng Fillies Guineas over 1600m and led the field with 400m to go but ran out of steam - her second unsuccessful attempt over this distance. That begs the question whether she can stay 1800m. Interestingly, Khumalo is tasked with the ride after Gavin Lerena was in the saddle on six of her eight career runs.

Runs: 8 Wins: 4 Places: 4 Earnings: R658,750

2 - RAIN IN HOLLAND                     60kg                     Draw 3

Trainer: Sean Tarry                         Jockey: Richard Fourie

A slightly surprising 5-1 winner of the Gauteng Fillies Guineas, she’s bound to jump as the tote favourite this time round. With four wins over 1600m, including a Grade 1 and 2, this daughter of Duke Of Marmalade should have no problem stepping up in distance. With Fourie again in the saddle, she is definitely the one to beat. The Triple Tiara title is hers for the taking.

Runs: 10 Wins: 6 Places: 4 Earnings: R977,250

3 – SPRINKLES                                  60kg                     Draw 7

Trainer: Paul Peter                          Jockey: Warren Kennedy

This lightly raced Elusive Fort filly has seen her Merit Rating shoot up to 110 after just four outings since turning three. She is probably even better than her rating suggests and must be considered a serious contender. From a wide draw, Kennedy might ask her to set the pace and that could change the complexion of the race. She will be right there at the finish.

Runs: 6 Wins: 3 Places: 3 Earnings: R405,125

4 - SUPREME QUEST                      60kg                     Draw 1

Trainer: Corne Spies                       Jockey: Rachel Venniker

By Querari, she has never finished outside the quartet in 12 career runs, but has only tasted victory twice, suggesting she hasn’t quite honed that killer instinct required of superstars. Never one to give up, perhaps the extra distance is what she needs to wear down her more fancied opponents. Jumping from pole position should give her a slight competitive advantage.

Runs: 12 Wins: 2 Places: 10 Earnings: R495,500

5 – CLAFOUTIS                                 60kg                     Draw 6

Trainer: Mike de Kock                    Jockey: Keagan de Melo

The pace setter in the Gauteng Fillies Guineas, she might be given the same task. One of only three runners in the field to have gone 1800m, she won’t be that easy to haul in again if allowed to get away. This Flower Alley filly will be keeping an eye on the weather. With rain predicted for Friday and Saturday, she should benefit from soft going.

Runs: 9 Wins: 3 Places: 3 Earnings: R273,250

6 - ETERNITY RING                          60kg                     Draw 8

Trainer: B Botes / Y Vosloo          Jockey: Craig Zackey

This Ideal World filly has the power to surprise. Don’t be fooled by her sixth place in the Guineas, as she had valid excuses. Her penultimate, over 1800m on a yielding surface, suggests she will benefit most if the weather forecast is correct. Has not disappointed since turning three, despite stepping up in class. Include her in all exotics.

Runs: 13 Wins: 4 Places: 7 Earnings: R330,937

7 - PERFECT WITNESS                    60kg                     Draw 5

Trainer: Candice Dawson              Jockey: Gavin Lerena

At best, this Flower Alley filly is looking for minor money which, in a race of this calibre, is not that minor considering the horse that runs fifth will earn R31,250. She has not been very consistent but does have her moments. A finish in the top half of the field will most probably be mission accomplished for Dawson and Lerena.

Runs: 8 Wins: 2 Places: 2 Earnings: R185,500

8 - FOLLOW ME                               60kg                     Draw 10

Trainer: Stuart Pettigrew              Jockey: Diego de Gouveia

Drawn in Commissioner Street for the Gauteng Fillies Guineas, she jumped awkwardly and lost ten lengths, effectively ending her chances there and then. Pettigrew must think the racing gods have something against him, as his Gimmethegreenlight filly has drawn the same gate. She did, however, beat Eternity Ring over 1600m in November, so is not completely out of this. She could contribute to the quartet paying a bomb.

Runs: 8 Wins: 3 Places: 4 Earnings: R246,125

9 - LOOK YOURSELF                        60kg                     Draw 9

Trainer: Paul Matchett                  Jockey: Muzi Yeni

There’s no denying Look Yourself is an honest, hard-working gal, attested by her record of never having finished outside the quartet in ten career runs. But she faces an acid test here. Completely out at the weights, she doesn’t have a realistic chance of scaring the field. Earning minor money would be an achievement.

Runs: 10 Wins: 2 Places: 8 Earnings: R173,375

10 - DEFINITELY MAYBE                 60kg                     Draw 2

Trainer: Mike de Kock                    Jockey: Kabelo Matsunyane

Definitely not, is probably how most racegoers will look at this Silvano filly’s chances. It’s difficult making a case for her considering the field and the conditions of the race. Perhaps De Kock has a special task for her in running, as she is one of three runners trained by the maestro, with all three owned by Wilgerbosdrift.

Runs: 6 Wins: 2 Places: 3 Earnings: R124,625