Bezanova to continue Laird’s successful run
Trainer Alec Laird admits to having a top-class contingent of three-year-olds this season and that can be seen in his results.
The stable continues to churn out winners and it will come as no surprise if he adds another to his tally when Bezanova lines up in Race 5 at Turffontein tonight, a Graduation Plate over 1400m.
The three-year-old Bezrin colt has raced twice for two wins and there looks little to stop him notching up his hat-trick. Bezanova was well supported in the betting to win a Maiden Plate on debut, shortening from 6-1 to 7-2. He was up with the pace and kicked away to beat Terra Nova by 1.75 lengths over 1200m at Clairwood.
Three winners from 12 runners have come from the formline so there was some sort of indication that Bezanova had some ability.
Laird brought him to the Highveld and he came out over 1600m on the Turffontein inside track. Once again the connections got a good price and they claimed the initial 7-1 and then more as Bezanova went off at 28-10. Jockey Francie Herholdt held him up a bit but when he let him go, the colt bolted away to beat Cagiva by one length.
The manner in which he races gives the impression that the longer run-in on the standside track will suit him. He is well enough drawn at No 6 and Marthinus Mienie will be his third jockey in as many runs.
Magic’s Magic has been one of the most consistent runners around. On his last five starts he looks a good horse for the Place Accumulator but not the BiPot. That is because he has finished third in all of them. However, in his lone start over the course and distance he did run a 1.75-length second behind Capricorn Ridge.
Karl Zechner takes the ride for the first time and they jump from barrier No 2.
A change of scenery might just be what Zanzibar Man is looking for. The connections have always been bullish about this four-year-old son of Western Winter out of leading mare Jamaica. He has, however, proved most disappointing.
However, in August he moved to the Leon Erasmus yard and has been gelded. That might prove to be the catalyst that turns his form around. Zanzibar Man is drawn No 1 and could be a runner for bigger permutations. Keep an eye on the betting.
Bold Inspiration was never a factor in the Grade 3 Graham Beck Stakes over this course and distance but he was drawn No 15. He scraped home to shed his maiden tag but there might be more to come from the Weiho Marwing-trained runner.
