THE INDEPENDENT ON SATURDAY DRILL HALL STAKES (Grade 2) - LEGISLATE to stamp his class

1-2-11-9-5

This race always produces a close finish.

Former Horse of the Year (2013/4), LEGISLATE, makes his third appearance for the KZN Winter Season. He may not have had the best of campaigns, by his and his trainer's high standards, in Durban last year, but his class has never been in doubt. His season two years ago will not be forgotten when he won both The Daily News over 2000m and the Vodacom Durban July over 2200m. He is a versatile five year old son of DYNASTY and has won over distances ranging from 1200m to 2200m. He is returning from a rest, but class horses tend to handle the shorter distances on their return to the racetracks rather effortlessly. It is three months since he last ran. That day in the J & B Met was he far from disgraced , especially as he never recovered from a bad start. He did have his issues at the start on a few occasions last season in this part of the world. We have enjoyed this true champ as much as his owner from Cape Town, Justin Snaith, has enjoyed training him. A win tonight will push his earnings beyond R6 000 000. Anthony Delpech rides him for the very first time.. Seven wins and five seconds from only eighteen runs, many of which have been in Grade 1's speaks volumes about his ability.

ICE MACHINE was not at his best in his last two runs, both at Turffontein. he is better than his latest run and is a C & D suited runner. He has shown class and could give LEGISLATE a few "grey hairs" under lights at Greyville.

NEW PREDATOR was not disgraced when finishing third behind LEGAL EAGLE in the Horse Chestnut. We all know what LEGAL EAGLE did on Champions Day at Turffontein last time. Ignore this smart three year old colt at your peril. Well drawn and a dangerous Highveld contender.

SARATOGA DANCER will be finding more late and has won over the distance.

The Mike Bass trained, NIGHT TRIP meets LEGISLATE at level weights for a 1,40 length beating the last time they met at this track last season. He is well drawn in pole position. THE CONGLOMERATE, another Cape Town trained horse, from the Joey Ramsden yard, should not be ignored