Don’t see red, back Fortune
In many cases a Pinnacle Stakes favours the best handicapped runners but there are times you have to go against that principle.
Former champion jockey and current assistant trainer and owner Andrew Fortune has been temporarily banned from attending race meetings in South Africa. Picture: Supplied
That is the case in Race 4 at Flamingo Park today, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1200m, where Sarve has at least a 2kg weight advantage over her opposition but it could pay to overlook her chances in this case.
Firstly, her recent form has not been that great and she does not have a good record at this course.
Next best is Razzle My Tazzle who has decent enough form against fillies but when she took on the boys in a similar race over 1400m in January the Coerie Lensley-trained filly was beaten over six lengths into fifth place by Jaguar.
She must have some sort of chance with in-form Juan Paul van der Merwe in the irons but it might be worth going with Racing Red, who is the fourth best handicapped runner in this field.
He is well drawn at No 4, has Andrew Fortune in the saddle and has a record of one win and two places in his three runs over the course and distance. He also ran in the race won by Jaguar and was beaten 3.50 lengths but, like Razzle My Tazzle, he is a better performer over 1200m.
Trainer Phillip Smith has him in good form at the moment.
Just A Jag finished second behind Jaguar and is 3kg better off with Racing Red so he needs to be respected while the unknown factor could be Tour De Var, who had a reasonable showing behind You Beauty in his first start at this course.
