WOOLAVINGTON 2000 (Grade 1) - HEAPS OF FUN could heap pain on a competitive field

2-1-6-9-3-10

An exciting race is very much on the cards. Highveld trainer, Sean Tarry, currently leading the national trainer's log, will have a say in the outcome in the fillies version of the Daily News, when he sends out HEAPS OF FUN over a distance that may be a little too far for her. Her sire, VISIONAIRE, currently standing at Summerhill Stud, never won beyond 1600m. having said that, the way in which she won the Gauteng Guineas in February, suggests that she could find a way of winning this. In her last two runs she had her excuses. In her penultimate in the Fillies Classic she raced wide into the straight at Turffontein and duly faded, but also as a result of her being reported to0 be coughing. Last time, over a sprint, she ran on despite having shifted in during the last 200m. That she is talented and versatile is not under scrutiny. One cannot ignore any Sean Tarry runner, especially if  the leading jockey on the national jockey's log, S'Manga Khumalo, has the ride. She looks to be worth value. She is currently on offer at 10/1 and is fourth favourite. In terms of the betting, BELA-BELA looks to be the one to beat and is well in the red.

Justin Snaith sends out his talented filly, BELA-BELA, who really impressed when she won the Fillies Guineas after having found herself in a hopeless position in the latter stages. She is highly thought of by her connections. Two runs back she ran third, three lengths, behind SMART CALL in the Paddock Stakes. That was no mean achievement as SMART CALL went on to win the J & B Met at the end of January. On both occasions she was piloted by top jockey, Anthony Delpech. Distance will be no issue with BELA-BELA as her sire, DYNASTY, had a proven record over 2000m and further.

I have just sung the praises of both Sean Tarry and Justin Snaith, but what about veteran trainer, Mike Bass? His yard sends out NIGHTINGALE. The last time they met was in their latest starts when BELA-BELA beat her by a half-a-length in the Fillies Guineas. They meet at level weights today. Much has been written about the successes of  DYNASTY progeny. SILVANO, as a stallion, has also been excellent and the extra will also suit down to the ground. NIGHTINGALE has already won over the distance. Grant Van Niekerk, who has won on her four times from her last five runs, is in the irons once again this afternoon.

CHRISTMAS CAROL took an almighty jump in class three runs back. She was not disgraced in her three runs at the top level. Even though she failed to win any of them, she has been improving so rapidly that she could find her way into the first four. Highveld trainer, Geoff Woodruff and Chase Maujean will be looking to cause an upset.

The Highveld trainer of NEGROAMARO, Johan Janse Van Rensburg, will be looking for graded success in Durban. NEGROAMARO, will be one to consider, despite not having won any of her last five runs. She has run quality races in which she has tried her utmost to get to the line first. That could have taken its toll. She was beaten by BELLA-BELA last time by just over two lengths. Will have to go some to reverse that deficit. Weichong Marwing, former champion jockey, has the ride again.

FORTISSIMA finished second in the Oaks at Turffontein last time. She won her two previous starts. and with Anton Marcus aboard, could earn soemthing decent. It is good to see Gauteng trainer Joe Soma in Durban.