LONSDALE STIRRUP CUP (Grade 3) - HEART OF A LION looks to have just that

HEART OF A LION takes a drop in class for the first of three features on today's card.  He is a versatile four year old who has contested well over a set of distances ranging from sprints to 3200m. He has been coming back to his best in recent runs and could feature favourably this afternoon. He may find a better finish over the shorter journey.

GONE BABY GONE has been prepped for this race when placing fourth this C & D last time. That race was against slightly stronger. She had to ease during the race. Look for a stout effort if staying on and finishing well. Is better off at the weights with SOLID SPEED

SOLID SPEED won well this C & D last time. Is 2kg worse than GONE BABY GONE when beating him by just over two lengths. The Dean Kannemeyer yard has done extremely well in Durban during this Winter Season and is unbeaten over the distance (2 from 2).

Mike De Kock sends out RAAEES. he has been extremely disappointing in  recent times after a good start to his racing career. He has won over the distance but has for the most part been a slow starter. Grant Van Niekerk rides him for the first time and rarely rides for the yard.

Stable companion, KINGSTON MINES, will however be partnered by stable jockey, Anthony Delpech. He runs at this track for the first time, drops in class from last time and also in trip from his last three. He won two of those three over further but has won this distance before. He beat a good field three runs back in the J & B Stayers at Kenilworth.

1st - HEART OF A LION (6); 2nd - GONE BABY GONE (10); 3rd - SOLID SPEED (7); 4th - RAAEES (11); 5th - KINGSTON MINES (4)