Improving Serruria to relish extra distance

However, today they get the chance to race against their own sex in the Allez France Handicap (Non-Black type) over 2200m on the Turffontein inside track. Racing purists will argue that 2200m is in the “middle-distance” range but it is on the borderline and does test horses’ staying ability.

The Mike de Kock yard sends out Serruria, who was bred in Britain. Like Igugu, she is a daughter of Galileo and appears to be quite a stylish performer. Detractors might be quick to point out that she did not have a particularly good start to her racing career and that she could not even beat some moderate fillies. She then went to KwaZulu-Natal where she won both the races she contested. Again, an argument will be made that at this time of the year the Durban form is moderate.

However, one needs to remember that she was born in the northern hemisphere and is at least six months younger than her South African counterparts. Horses born north of the Equator officially turn a year older on 1 January but Serruria was a late foal, born on 28 April.

She has won her last two starts over 1900m and 2000m respectively and will have little problem with the extra 200m. She carries just 52kg and will be ridden by Julius Mariba.

Another filly who will enjoy this distance is Zephira, from the Geoff Woodruff yard. She has run five times for two wins and two places and has improved as she has got more experienced. She also carries bottom weight of 52kg but based on her merit rating, is 1kg out at the weights with some of the more prominent runners. She will have the services of Robbie Fradd.

Tyrone Zackey’s yard has been going through a torrid patch but lately there have been signs that things are improving. The stable had a winner on Tuesday night and Son Of Approval placed in Race 1 at the Vaal yesterday. Katy’s Lane, highly regarded as a three-year-old, lost form completely but her merit rating has dropped significantly and she made major improvement when beaten just 5.25 lengths by Tresco over 1800m at this track last time.

Her merit rating dropped a further two points (1kg) after that race and although she is untried over this distance, Katy’s Lane could be competitive. Apprentice Craig Zackey takes the ride but may not claim his allowance.

There are not that many opportunities specifically designed for fillies and mares who enjoy longer distances and often they are forced to take on their male rival in bigger features.

However, today they get the chance to race against their own sex in the Allez France Handicap (Non-Black type) over 2200m on the Turffontein inside track. Racing purists will argue that 2200m is in the “middle-distance” range but it is on the borderline and does test horses’ staying ability.

The Mike de Kock yard sends out Serruria, who was bred in Britain. Like Igugu, she is a daughter of Galileo and appears to be quite a stylish performer. Detractors might be quick to point out that she did not have a particularly good start to her racing career and that she could not even beat some moderate fillies. She then went to KwaZulu-Natal where she won both the races she contested. Again, an argument will be made that at this time of the year the Durban form is moderate.

However, one needs to remember that she was born in the northern hemisphere and is at least six months younger than her South African counterparts. Horses born north of the Equator officially turn a year older on 1 January but Serruria was a late foal, born on 28 April.

She has won her last two starts over 1900m and 2000m respectively and will have little problem with the extra 200m. She carries just 52kg and will be ridden by Julius Mariba.

Another filly who will enjoy this distance is Zephira, from the Geoff Woodruff yard. She has run five times for two wins and two places and has improved as she has got more experienced. She also carries bottom weight of 52kg but based on her merit rating, is 1kg out at the weights with some of the more prominent runners. She will have the services of Robbie Fradd.

Tyrone Zackey’s yard has been going through a torrid patch but lately there have been signs that things are improving. The stable had a winner on Tuesday night and Son Of Approval placed in Race 1 at the Vaal yesterday. Katy’s Lane, highly regarded as a three-year-old, lost form completely but her merit rating has dropped significantly and she made major improvement when beaten just 5.25 lengths by Tresco over 1800m at this track last time.

Her merit rating dropped a further two points (1kg) after that race and although she is untried over this distance, Katy’s Lane could be competitive. Apprentice Craig Zackey takes the ride but may not claim his allowance.