Persian Rug has the class

She looked all over a winner with 200m to run and then jumped the shadow of the grandstand that runs across the course.

She completely lost her stride but managed to gather it again and still finish a 0.50-length third behind Lauderdale.

That was on 1 August. The three-year-old daughter of Ideal World makes her reappearance in Race 6 at Turffontein today in a Progress Plate over 1200m on the inside track. She is the best handicapped runner by at least 2.5kg but assistant trainer Mathew de Kock points out although she is a top-class filly, 1200m is too short for Persian Rug.

However, many horses run freshly after a layoff and that could hopefully be the case with Persian Rug and that her class will carry her through. Anthony Delpech is in town to ride her.

If she does find the distance too sharp then Dominic Zaki-trained Leila’s Charger should be next best. The Australian-bred filly had an impressive debut over 1160m on the standside track and No 1 draw gives her an edge over her rivals.