Divan Neethling gets his chance

Trainer Mike Miller has had a frustrating run of places recently but this four-year-old gelding Sheik’s Brashee is course and distance suited, with him having won twice and been runner-up twice on the other two occasions.

The Sheik-gelding scored two good wins earlier in the year when beating Burrwood by five lengths and Gulf Storm by half a length before being rested.

He returned in early October and was a well beaten runner-up to the talented Viva La Var.

The mare Cherry Tripper, who runs in this race, was too speedy for him on the Polytrack at Greyville but back on the turf and with a 2kg swing in Sheik’s Brashee’s favour that result should be turned on its head.

In a brave move by his trainer Apprentice Divan Neethling (claims 4kg) has been entrusted with the ride. Sheik’s Brashee does not look a difficult ride so the 4kg claimer could be given a licence to move earlier than normal on Sheik’s Brashee.

In his latest the gelding tried very hard but was no match for the decent Mr Whatever.

Royalsecuritypower from the Kom Naidoo has won three of his last four starts but has taken a huge 19 point rise so will need to produce a lifetime best to win this.

Antwerp and Burrwood may both be better suited to further than this minimum trip but it will not be a surprise if either were to pop up and win.