Goosen could continue dream on the Vaal turf

The stable is currently in top form as they showed on Saturday at Turffontein where they came away with two winners in Celine (Race 3) and Miss K (Race 7). The good run can continue at the Vaal today where Goosen saddles One Man’s Dream in Race 5, a MR 89 Handicap over 1200m on the turf.

The four-year-old son of Greys Inn looked quite ordinary when just managing to share the spoils with Hawaiian Sun in his maiden victory but remarkably he has shown an affinity to the Vaal turf track. He won both of his next two starts over the course and distance but his unbeaten run came to an end last time when he finished a 2.75-length third behind Vulcan. He led from the start on that occasion but had little in the tank at the end.

It is worth noting that two of his wins have been with Piere Strydom aboard and the former champion jockey is back in the irons at the Vaal.

Although he was well beaten by One Man’s Dream last time, the main threat could be Lost Island. He was also up with the pace but faded badly to finish up 11.25 lengths behind Vulcan. Roy Magner’s charge is a lot better than that run and perhaps he should be given another chance.

It does look relevant that Gavin Lerena has taken the ride and he is coming off a treble at Turffontein last Saturday. Magner has used an apprentice to ride the six-year-old gelding in his last 13 starts and perhaps stronger handling is just what the son of Lizard Island needs.

Foyle comes into the race with just 53.5kg to carry and has the services of champion jockey S’manga Khumalo, who will be riding at his first meeting since returning from participating in the Shergar Cup at Ascot at the weekend.

The four-year-old Tiger Ridge gelding is a useful performer on his day but does have his problems. He was gelded in April and did well on his first start back to finish a 2.50-length fourth behind De Var Hyt, who is also trained by Goosen.

That could give Goosen an idea of how One Man’s Dream could perform against Foyle but one needs to take into account the Mike de Kock-trained runner could improve markedly in his second race after having been gelded.