Transparency is an attribute that should not be downplayed in the world of horseracing as you would soon find yourself amongst foes who once upon a time were your supporters....writes Raymond K Smith.

Regrettably in postmortem the truth finds itself exposed when all that it hid itself behind likens to a mere ice cube trying to smother a lake of molten lava. I find this statement rather irritatingly sad as punters risk without reward whilst they attempt to profit in the sport of kings. It is becoming more evident that following top horses is not easily profitable when you dissect the “fact pie” as more hidden secrets become exposed to public scrutiny, making ones integrity rather suspect if what is revealed has elements of pretence. Mike De Kock is truly a trendsetter when it comes to big races and that is said without pulling punches. In recent times he has been relatively silent on South African shores but when his horses are entered into the big races you are sure to get a solid run for your money, right down to the wire.

Let me take examples of why I want to make it known that recent events are waving red flags in our faces and yet we fear to raise the questions. Galileo’s Galaxy, Oracy, Dan De Lago have been taken to the Cape for some of South Africa’s major races and yet they were brought down within a week of the Big Races. I speak under correction but why would there be a reluctance to bring the horses earlier in order to allow them to familiarize themselves with the conditions of the Cape, i.e., e.g., a prep race or races on the race track of the Big Race. These type of questions certainly need answers as the racing fan should have a reason to attend the races and not excuses why he/she does not want to. Three or so months ago there was huge hype surrounding these three horses and in a matter of days their lackluster performances makes one rethink as to whether there are intentions to make a mockery of the punting public as we unceremoniously observe the “The Rise and Fall” of famous and glorious.

Here’s the comparative, Mother Russia took her prep serious enough to the extent of arriving in the Cape as early as the dawn of 2010 and gradually reacquainted herself with the Cape conditions and proved that her conditioner, MDK, was spot on. Should Galileo’s Galaxy have had a prep run prior to the Guineas, that answer gets a resounding scream of yes, as it was proven to be his downfall. Oracy and Dan De Lago suffered a similar fate, as you could see that they were in no man’s land when they cantered to the start and when they returned to the post.

Having made the observation albeit it be under correction, there needs to be a serious rap on the knuckles to get some answers. This is a founded statement as we need to understand whether the interest of the punting public are taken for granted, because we need to know whether the form of the race is suspect for future reference when trying to find a winner. One of the questions which now hang in the air is whether Bravura is the best 3 year old Colt in the country or Curved Ball or Galileo’s Galaxy, I am not only confused but I am convinced that Charlie Laird needs to shed some big name weight from his stable and give the horses a competitive chance, because it seems to be overwhelming his options and strategies.

Bravura, a bravura performance, a dazzling artistic flair; great skill that is shown when something artistic is done in an exciting or innovative way (often used before a noun), that sums up what was displayed by this brilliant colt with just about the proverbial odds against him. Taking that performance into account I have no doubt to believe he is the best we have this season and Mesdames’ Jooste and Jooste have reason to be appreciative of the wisdom that Joey Ramsden has put to the fore when given a quality horse to condition. Considering all factors I fail to understand why Oracy, “Galaxy” and “Big Dan” were not left in the Cape to prep for the Big Ones with the more than capable Ramsden. My summation accordingly finds it logic from fact; if South Africa needs to build racing empires to be competitive with the likes of The Coolmore’s, Godolphin’s and Aga Khan’s, just to mention a few, of this world, then we need to call a spade a spade. I might be naïve in wanting South Africans to dominate the world stage but I am definitely not barking up the wrong tree. Having a lack of optimism at this stage I am still squeezing myself into that little a ray of hope because as long as we have the Shirtliffs, Hay’s, Adams, Van Niekerks, Joostes, Slacks and many others on our soil we need to learn from each other, give the thorough bred and alternative trainer’s talent and we might just reveal the truth of our equines suppressed potential.

I therefore salute Mr. Bass, Mr. Ramsdem, Mr. De Kock and Mr. Kannemeyer as they have realigned my think tank when naively trying to defy realisms of racing, prep, prep, prep and prep properly. Not only does the confusion manifest into anger but makes my love for the equine reveal what appears to be absolute tactless competitor’s nonchalance. I look forward to a future clash between this year’s J&B Metropolitan entrants. My head said River Jetez will demolish the field but my Heart in palpitation said “Big Dan” and then finally, Oracy.

In conclusion, there might be counter arguments on the view that I have expressed but it will not dilute the blatant facts, if the weight is a burden, shed it and if creativity has an alternative meaning in your dictionary, then leave it for smaller races as the “Big One” cannot be used as a stage for experiments.