ALLAN ROBERTSON CHAMPIONSHIP (Grade 1) - SHAAMA to continue improving in a competitive field

This race, the first of four Spring features on the card for today,  could develop into a race between the two Mike De Kock runners, SHAAMA and ENTISAAR. SHAAMA raced in the SA Nursery a month ago and finished just behind the useful ARABIAN BEAT. whereas ENTISAAR raced in the Fillies Nursery and finished two and a half lengths ahead of FROSTED HONEY. Both runners have looked to be two year old fillies with bright futures and there could be very little to choose between them. One may have to look at the jockeys aboard. Anthony Delpech has ridden both fillies in each of their runs thus far whereas Johnny Geroudis aboard ENTISAAR rides her for the first time. One would assume that Anthony Delpech was give the choice of rides and that may be the defining factor. One thing should be certain and that is that both will be well tuned  for the race.

MADAME DU BOIS made a winning debut at the Vaal last time. That was an impressive win and Piere Strydom has the ride for the first time. Must have a shout despite this huge climb in class and if she can repeat that impressive run.

ROYAL PLEASURE is unbeaten after three starts, all wins have been at this track and has been smartly prepped for this. Her sire VISIONAIRE has been making a name for himself in this country. Anton Marcus, who rode her to victory last time, rides her again this afternoon.

Stable companion, PRINCESS ROYAL, is inclined to be unruly at the start and as a result loses ground at the start. Can run into the money if settling down before and at the start


1st - SHAAMA (13); 2nd - ENTISAAR (2); 3rd - MADAME DU BOIS (5); 4th - ROYAL PLEASURE (12); 5th - PRINCESS ROYAL (10)