SABC GOLD VASE (Grade 2) - HEART OF A LION is a stayer of note

There are no stamina doubts about HEART OF A LION. He has shown very good form over the longer distance races in his last three starts and he has also been finishing well. he takes on a bit stronger than last time but has raced against some  good sorts in his career. The Gavin Van Zyl trained inmate has improved in his last three starts. A win here will see him become a contender for the Gold Cup at the end of the month. Muzi Yeni has ridden him in all three of his last three starts and finished third on each occasion.

Cape Town conditioner, Dean Kannemeyer, sends out the four year old son of DYNASTY, SOLID SPEED. The DYNASTY progeny run well at this track. In fact DYNASTY was himself a Durban July winner. The yard has such terrific KZN form that it would come as a surprise if he did not fill one of the top two finishes. SOLID SPEED is unbeaten at this track (2 from 2). He has an excellent late turn of speed and should see out the extra. Stable jockey, Karl Neisius, has the ride.

CRIME VICTIM drops in class but steps up in distance. He is usually sklow off the mark, but he will be running on late. Expect another top run from this Duncan Howells trained four year old. He will have the added bonus of having S'Manga Khumalo in the irons.

WILD ASH is holding form well. The Geoff Woodruff yard has had a quiet KZN Season but with Piere Strydom aboard he could run into the money. He won aboard WILD ASH in the only time he rode him.

J'S OUTSIDER could be just that. He did not show in his latest run when making the move from Gauteng to the Dennis Drier yard in May. He could be given another chance but I do think he is way too inconsistent to win this afternoon.

1st - HEART OF A LION (2); 2nd - SOLID SPEED (1); 3rd - CRIME VICTIM (4); 4th - WILD ASH (8); 5th - J'S OUTSIDER (7)