JACK MILNER: JUVENILES can be very unpredictable, especially among the fillies, as they can improve remarkably in a short space of time.
However, trainer Corne Spies looks to have the Grade 1 Thekwini Stakes, brought to you by Ladbrokes, at Greyville at his mercy with Straight Set.
She looked all over a winner going into the final stages of the Grade 1 Golden Slipper over 1400m at the track on Durban July Day, only to be run out of it late by Rumya.
Mike de Kock rates his charge very highly and has already planned an overseas jaunt for the filly.
Most of the opposition Straight Set meets in this race, she beat comfortably last time and there is little reason why she should not do so again.
“There are no question marks about her ability to stay 1600m,’’ says Spies. “I can’t really see anything in the race to make me worry – but that makes me worry because maybe I’m missing something.
“We have the horse, we just need the luck in running.’’
Felix Coetzee rides the Victory Moon filly and they will bounce from No 4 draw.
King’s Temptress finished fourth in the Golden Slipper, 3.75 lengths behind Straight Set, but she is one of those who could improve greatly.
She surprised most experts when winning the Grade 2 SA Fillies Nursery on debut but then failed in the Grade 1 Allan Robertson Fillies Championship at Scottsville before showing improvement at Greyville last time.
“Everybody says her first run for me was such a poor effort but she was only with me for seven days and the owner wanted her to run in the Grade 1,’’ said trainer Kom Naidoo. “We all saw how good her last run was and she will relish this distance. She is doing very well at home and I feel she will run a massive race.’’
Apprentice Nooresh Juglall has been given the ride.
All Is Secret started favourite for the Golden Slipper but may have failed to overcome a wide draw. This time she jumps from barrier No 2 and once again, Anton Marcus is aboard. However, she still needs to prove she sees out 1600m. Nevertheless, trainer Vaughan Marshall is expecting a big run.
