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Thirteen runners go to the post in the very competitive R300 000, Grade 2 Calulo Services Premier Trophy(1800m) at Kenilworth on Saturday. The race will be run over the new course and the longer run in should suit several of the runners.
Best in at the weights is Lion In Winter from the in-form Joey Ramsden yard. Like most of the runners with a chance it is the Western Winter gelding's third run after a rest.
He ran on late to just get his nose in front of Run For It over the course and distance on his seasonal debut. Lion in Winter then found the 1600m of the Grade 2 Green Point Stakes just a little short for his liking, finishing a creditable third behind Bravura.
Lion In Winter should be the one they all have to beat, and could provide Ramsden with his fourth feature of the season.
Mike Bass saddles the trio of English Garden, Super Storm and Chesalon. All are having their third run after a rest, and while all top horses they have been performing below their best of late. Bernard Fayde'Herbe has the ride on Chesalon and he is probably the stable select.
The son of Fort Wood has been coming along very nicely and impressed when third behind Tales of Bravery on his seasonal debut. He is, however, out at the weights and things will have to go right on the day for him to visit the number one box.
English Garden finished a very good two lengths third behind Igugu(AUS) in the Grade 1 Vodacom Durban July(2200m), but has failed to find that form since his return to racing this season.
While Super Storm ran a close third to The Apache in the Grade 1 Champions Cup(1800m) at Greyville, he failed to inspire in his first two starts of the season. Aldo Domeyer has the ride and will have his work cut out from barrier twelve.
Bass confirmed that all three of his runners were doing well and he could not separate them in terms of their winning chances.
Placing in three Graded races last season, including the Grade 1 J & B Met (2000m), Run For It, from the Justin Snaith yard, always just seems to find one better on the day. Clearly a very talented horse, he is having his third run after a rest, and with the weights in his favour, is likely to be giving Lion In Winter a run for his money.
“His first two outings were 100% prep runs and he had done very little grass work leading into them. He is now ready and there can be no excuses” commented Snaith.
The dark horse of the race is the Yogas Govender trained Lake Arthur. The highly regarded son of Jet Master is having his third run after a rest under talented Karis Teetan and could be involved in the finish.
Finishing second in his seasonal debut behind the much vaunted Taipan, he then ran on well, just failing to catch Fabiani, in his subsequent start. Clearly improving, he is not without a chance.