Have a Blast in Kimberley

Racing at Flamingo Park ushers in the New Year with the running of the Flamingo Park Sprint (Non-Black Type) over 1200m today and the race could go the way of a rejuvenated Blast.

This son of Windrush began his career in Port Elizabeth where after six placed runs, reeled off two consecutive victories over 1400m and 1200m respectively. He continued to place a few more times before moving to Tienie Prinsloo’s yard in Kimberley where he has proved quite a revelation.

Clearly enjoying the Flamingo Park sand Blast won on debut at the course, beating One Cool Cat by two lengths over 1000m, and then followed up with a 1.25-length victory in a 1200m race over La Tourelle. He was then tried over 1400m but after playing up at the start, Blast was caught on the line by the horse he beat a race earlier – La Tourelle.

Back to 1200m, and with a perfect No 3 draw in this race around the turn, Blast looks the runner to beat. The only concern is that regular jockey Andrew Fortune will not be riding Blast and his position will be taken by very competent apprentice Callan Murray.

Paul Matchett takes six-year-old Duty Dance to Kimberley and the Muhtafal gelding looks the main threat to Blast. He is five-time winner, three of which were on the now defunct Vaal sand, although this will be his first visit to Kimberley.

Three of his victories have come over 1200m so the distance is no problem. He is drawn No 9 and has Randall Simons up.