Pylon to stamp his authority on the sand

Under the race conditions not one of Azzie’s runners is the best weighted runner. That honour goes to Dominic Zaki’s charge Jet Jamboree who will be ridden by Piere Strydom.

Zaki had a day to forget at the Vaal last Thursday and he will be hoping Strydom will be able to turn it around for him.

However, with Azzie’s quintet able to dictate the pace they are certain to make life difficult for the other runners. In Jet Jamboree’s favour is the fact that he has had two runs on the sand and placed in both starts, but in reality his weight advantage is still based on his turf merit rating.

As a result it will come as something of a surprise if the winner does not come from the Azzie stable. The second best-weighted runner is the mare Magic Smoke who is the winner of three starts at this track, but none of them over 1800m. The runner who is next on the best weighted list is Emperor Augustus who is in a similar position to Jet Jamboree. He has placed on the track in his only outing but since one needs to have raced three times on the sand to get a separate rating, his rating is also based on turf performances.

That brings Pylon in as the main contender. His runs on the Vaal sand have been spectacular. He has run eight times for seven wins and a second place over 1600m behind stablemate Masai Warrior, to whom he was conceding 10.5kg.

Over 1800m at this track he remains unbeaten in four starts and despite having to carry 61kg, the five-year-old Fort Wood gelding looks the best bet on the card. Gavin Lerena takes the ride and he is looking to add to his tally of winners.

It is interesting that Azzie has put him in the Emerald Cup because 1450m looks a touch short. However, his record on the sand is so good it could be worth taking a gamble.

It is also interesting that Pylon’s usual rider, Robbie Fradd, is aboard Eastern Cobbler but with 63kg to carry he has an impossible task.