Happy Archer looks a smart sort in the making and the Australian-bred could be the one they have to beat in the Gr 1 Durban Thekwini Stakes over 1600m at Greyville on Saturday, writes Mark Anthony.
Sean Tarry's charge has reeled off two consecutive wins following a fair fourth on debut and has gone about her business in encouraging style. Both those wins have been at this track and although this is her first venture beyond 1300m, it's hard to envisage that being a problem, given that she's a daughter of champion miler Dubawi. She has a reasonable draw and the services of Anton Marcus, so she's certainly got ticks in all the right boxes.
The main threats should come from Fragrant Al, Six Blue Notes and Flaming Alice, who chased home the top class Mahbooba in the Gr 1 Golden Slipper last time out. All three are obvious contenders on that form, given that Mahbooba would have been a short-priced favourite had she taken her place in this line-up. The problem for Fragrant Al and Six Blue Notes is that they have both drawn in the car park, so a lot will depend on luck in running. Flaming Alice, on the other hand, enjoys a reasonable draw and her Golden Slipper effort was full of merit, as she had to make the early running from a wide draw and only tired late. She could well turn out to be the main danger here.
Legal Account emerged with credit when finishing fifth in the Golden Slipper. She also had to contend with a wide draw that day and has fared slightly better in that regard. Piere Strydom rides and she could make her presence felt.
Follow The Piper took five attempts to shed her maiden but quickly followed up next time out and seems to be getting better as she steps up in trip. Chances are she will enjoy her first attempt at a mile and she has a quartet chance.
Fair Rosalind disappointed when well beaten behind Happy Archer last time out but she was an impressive winner of her first two starts and could be worth another chance, jumping as she does from a good draw.
Diamond Game could be best of the rest. She shed her maiden at the second time of asking and although taking a serious step up in class, is well bred and could feature if getting across from a poor draw.
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