On Sunday, all eyes will be on Piet Steyn’s outstanding three-year-old gelding, Garrix, when the prestigious Listed Pocket Power Stakes unfolds at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.
Garrix is striving for a remarkable clean sweep of the three-legged Winter Series. After two closely contested victories, Garrix is out to confirm his status against a competitive field over 1,950m.
Garrix’s trip in the series has already seen him clinch the first leg, the Variety Club Mile, with an effortless performance before edging out fierce contenders Otto Luyken and Mucho Dinero in the nail-biting Gr 3 Legal Eagle Stakes.
Although he seems to hold an advantage in form, the stakes are higher as he now carries 57kg, 1.5kg heavier than his main rivals, Otto Luyken and Mucho Dinero, who are braced to take him on once more.
Garrix appears to have every attribute necessary to succeed, and with Gavin Lerena in the saddle, this adds a layer of reassurance to the camp.
However, punters will consider the weight differentials and the experience factor as Garrix seeks to navigate the unique challenges of the tighter Winter course.
As the field narrows to just seven runners, the early pace promises to be a factor with Otto Luyken, who battled valiantly in the Legal Eagle Stakes, maintaining a commanding presence as he attempts to remain consistent, a crucial factor in this match-up.
The Justin Snaith-trained pair, Mucho Dinero and Magic Verse are notable threats. Magic Verse was commendable when narrowly defeated by Rascallion in the Gr 2 Premier’s Trophy.
Mucho Dinero finished strongly in the Gr 3 Legal Eagle Stakes, closing the gap on his competitors.
With the distance extension favouring his staying prowess, he will be a force to be reckoned with.
The Futurist enters the contest with a considerable reputation as last year’s winner. Last year’s victory by an astonishing nine lengths still lingers in the memories.
Though inconsistent, The Futurist has shown flashes of brilliance, and could reclaim glory over the Winter course, where he has demonstrated prior success.
In Sunday’s other feature race, the Listed R200,000 Stormsvlei Stakes for fillies and mares over 1,800m, Beware The Bomb stands out as the serious threat.
Beware The Bomb is one of four entries prolific trainer Justin Snaith will field in the seven-runner race. His other entrants are Lady Springfield, Lickety Split and Knockout.
Time for Love, a mare trained by the duo of Harold Crawford and Michelle Rix, is sure to give a strong performance.
The expectations will be high after an admirable victory in the Ladies Mile (Listed) earlier this month, particularly with the seasoned jockey Lerena on board.
