Hawwaam finds a bit of success

MAJOR DIFFERENCE: NEW BIT GOT HIM TO SETTLE AND THAT HELPED HIM PROVE HIS CLASS

Chance to see better juveniles against one another.

Piere Strydom

Last week we saw some top racing and it was good to see Hawwaam at his best. He obviously looked a lot more relaxed in the race this time but the faster pace and a change of bit made all the difference. Well done to the Mike de Kock yard that they were able to find a bit that was compatible with the horse.

It’s not always easy to find the right bit. A severe bit can sometime help the jockey to control the horse better but sometimes that same bit on another horse can render that individual uncontrollable as they attempt to run away from the discomfort.

I’ve been riding a horse of late who has run a couple of places. In the mornings when he does his work, he does it in a bridle that has no bit and that is because he often cuts his mouth. But on race days it is not legal to race the horse without a proper bit.

I rode this horse around the bend and he battled to take the turn. So we decided in his next start to put him up the Vaal straight and the improvement showed straight away. Over time his mouth will heal and we can run the horse over the ideal distance.

As I have always said, a horse is not like a car that has brakes etc. But when your bit is not working it is like driving a car with no steering wheel and you have very little control. That’s why you sometimes get a horse running below form because these obstacles that upset him tend to pop up.

Today we are racing at Turffontein Standside and Race 1 is Maiden Plate over 1000m. There is a well-bred first-timer in the line-up but on form the key runners are Hartleyfour, Pearl Of Siberia and Lion King, who should enjoy the extra distance.

Race 2 is another Maiden Plate but this time for fillies. Unfortunately, we do not know the fitness of Urban Oasis but on ability compared to the balance of the field she should win this with ease. She has run behind feature-race runners and she has also run in features. Even though she has not run for 317 days she should be a banker in the BiPot.

Race 3 is the Storm Bird Stakes and it will be quite interesting to see how the cream come through among the juveniles. They are young horses who are lightly raced and it is difficult to make a confident selection but on current form and the manner of their runs I would go with Frosted Gold with Cavivar.

I suggest banking Frosted Gold in the Place Accumulator. I ride Captain Morgane but he looks held on form and I would be over the moon with a place.

The same applies in the Ruffian Stakes as they are all youngsters but the Gin Fizz form looks quite solid and she should be another banker, especially in the PA. If you don’t want to banker her in the Pick 6 because it is difficult to make a confident selection from lightly raced horses, maybe add in Basadi Faith and Emerald Tiara.

Race 5 is the Sun Chariot Handicap where Gottalottalove looks to have the beating of this field. She’s quite a big filly and probably has more improvement to come than the rest of the field. The rain we have had will enhance her chances so make her a banker in all bets.

Race 6 is the Derby Trial where initially I thought a couple of horses stood out, but there are a number of horses with winning form lines who are drawn quite badly. I’m referring to Protea Paradise, Master Magic, Last Of The Legend and Shuckra.

The others with chances as well are Gift For The Gap, Arlingtons Revenge and the horse with the best draw and form, Senor Lizard, who could be the horse to beat. For the

Pick 6 include all of those mentioned but for the PA go with Senor Lizard and any other three.

Race 7 is the Oaks Trial and there are a number of fillies who could pop up but my main selections are Seville Orange, Abelie, Pretty Border and Veritas. Pick three of those for the PA and for the Pick 6 take them all and add Bize.

Race 8 is the Bauhinia Handicap over 1000m where many horses have winning chances. My first selection - and she just might enjoy the 1000m as she has plenty speed - is Pretty Penny. Her danger could be Singing In Seattle and she could be good back up in the PA. For the Pick 6, if you look past those two, the field will need to apply.

I’m riding Winter Watch who is held by some horses on form but on other form lines she can beat many of them. So, if we have a bit if luck in running and she feels good on the day, I see no reason why we can’t be competitive.

Race 9 is the Gold Rush Sprint and there are many with chances. My first choice is American Hustle as he has shown some good ability. As he is coming off a short rest you might want to add Top Mast into the Place Accumulator.

For the Pick 6 add in Basilius and Old Man Tyme.

Race 10 is a Maiden Plate and it looks quite open. My first selection is Glitter Path, taking the claim into consideration and the draw, but the distance has to be a concern. For that reason, the dangers are Tehuano and my ride, Wild Thought. She does have a winning chance but she is drawn worst of all at No 13 and it is a bit of a concern whether she will see out the distance as she tends to move up like she will win the race and then fades.

Unfortunately, she has been entered many times and she always lands bad draws. The owners are entitled to have a run as they have to pay the bills so eventually you have to take a chance and run them.

BEST BET

RACE 5

GOTTALOTTALUV

VALUE BET

RACE 8

PRETTY PENNY

From Phumelela