Quest could be `jaded’

Societi looks the main threat to top two.

They saddle Tiger Quest and Jade Vine respectively, and based on handicapping are the pair who should fight it out. On paper Tiger Quest has a slight edge and is the best weighted runner by just 0.5kg. Jade Vine is the next best handicapped with Shiver ‘N Shake and Societi a further 2kg under sufferance with the other two.

The engagement of jockeys also does not help matters as Gavin Lerena rides Tiger Quest while S’manga Khumalo is aboard Jade Vine. Both have won on the sand but what could be significant is four of Tiger Quest’s six wins have been over 1000m while Jade Vine will be having her first start over the distance. In the past she has performed best over 1200m and 1450m.

However, in Jade Vine’s favour is all four of her wins have been on this track and she does get 3kg from Tiger Quest. She should have enough speed to win over 1000m and she is a narrow selection to beat Tiger Quest.

One runner who deserves respect is Louis Goosen-trained Societi. The stable is in hot form and this filly has done well in recent runs. There are two form lines which suggest she has the beating of Tiger Quest. Both ran in the Banyana Handicap over this course and distance on Emerald Cup day Zaki’s charge finished 1.50 lengths to the good.

Societi is 2.5kg better off and that puts close together. In addition, on a line through Ha Lucy Societi has the edge. However, in a previous form line Tiger Quest beat Societi by two lengths and there is only a 0.5kg turnaround in favour of Goosen’s runner.

Shiver ‘N Shake has raced 12 times at this course for four wins, three seconds and a third and is quite capable of picking up a race of this nature. Roy Magner’s runner has Piere Strydom in the irons and that could also count in the five-year-old mare’s favour. The last time he rode her Shiver ‘N Shake was touched off by Party Peg over this course and distance.

If one likes Societi one also has respect the chances of She’s A Tiger. There has been little to choose between the pair on a few occasions and it could well be a case of luck in running as to who has the edge on this occasion.