Enjoy a good Night in Seattle

It is holiday fare at Kenilworth today and one could possibly collect a bit extra spending money following the exploits of Night In Seattle in Race 6, a MR 91 Handicap over 1400m.  


The Brett Crawford-trained runner has to be one of the most consistent around although he has battled to get his head in front when it really matters. He has raced seven times for just one win, four seconds and two thirds, but he has raced against some decent opposition.

The gelding started his career with five runs over 1200m and finally cracked his maiden when he beat Power To Please by one length.

However, in his previous losses Night In Seattle went down to top three-year-olds Act Of War and In The Cruise on the first two occasions and then was defeated just o.30 lengths by Alpha Pegasi.

The two clash again today and this time Night In Seattle has a 4.5kg weight advantage over Justin Snaith’s charge so he should easily be able to reverse the placings.

Two runs back Crawford put him over 1400m for the first time and he went down by the narrowest of margins to Oreo Shake. Last time he was tried over 1600m and it was no disgrace to find St Tropez 1.75 lengths too good.

In addition, Night In Seattle cast a shoe during the running of the race and was forced to ease.

He does have a tendency to lose a little ground at the start which does not help his cause but with just 55.5kg to carry today, he should be able to give Corne Orffer another winning ride.

Playingtheenemy could be his main competition. Darryl Hodgson’s charge is another consistent runner. This four-year-old has only won twice in 18 starts but he has two second, four third, and four fourth places to his name.

He runs well at the course and in five starts over 1400m, Playingtheenemy has a record of one win and three places.

Greg Cheyne has ridden the Australian-bred in his six starts and has retains the ride. They jump from barrier No 4.

Alpha Pegasi has done well since beating Night In Seattle in his maiden win and could have made the necessary improvement to make up for that 4.5kg difference.

However, he will be trying 1400m for the first time and that means, as he has only run over 1200m at Kenilworth, he will also be having his first run around the turn.

Champion trainer Snaith is certain to have covered all the angles so one can expect a forward showing from this son of Captain Al. Richard Fourie takes the ride and they jump from barrier No 3.

The best outsider could be Matador In Red.

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