TREVOR REID: THERE are not many gifts on offer for punters at Durbanville on Wednesday, but they could be handed a donation when La Patineuse lines up in Race 7, a FM 86 Handicap over 1600m.
La Patineuse ticks all the necessary boxes. At Durbanville it pays to follow horses with a proven track record. La Patineuse has run there twice for a win and a 3.25-length third behind Gold Academy. A good draw is vital at the track and the three-year-old daughter of National Emblem is perfectly positioned at barrier No 3. She will be having her third run after a layoff and should be cherry-ripe.
Finally, the Patrick Kruyer-trained filly has booked a decent jockey in talented young Grant van Niekerk.
In her last start La Patineuse came from near last at the 400m to mow down the opposition, beating Rush For John by a length over this course and distance. The runner-up franked the form last Sunday when winning the Listed Winter Oaks over 2200m at Kenilworth.
The handicapper penalised La Patineuse 3kg for that victory but in view of Rush For John’s win, he may have been a touch lenient.
She really does look a standout bet and barring unforeseen circumstances, one would expect to see her – as her name suggests – come skating home.
If there is a danger it could be stable companion Jazelle. However, she finished a 0.75-length third behind Avilda and Rush For John in the East Cape Oaks in Port Elizabeth in June and looks held by La Patineuse on collateral form.
On the positive side she does have form at the course, although that goes back to her maiden victory March. Gareth Wright takes the ride.
