Red Peril is underrated

Trainer Sarel von Willing Smit and punters will be looking for the gelding to win Race 8, the Itsarush.co.za MR 72 handicap over 1600m, at Flamingo Park today.

After his victory on New Year’s Day, the handicappers gave Red Peril the maximum penalty they could – eight points – and they would probably have wanted to give him more.

Blinkers were tried that day and certainly worked, with the Western winter gelding striding out to win by an impressive 8.75 lengths, easing up, over Jack Friday (who runs earlier today in Race 5).

Jockey Randall Simons was aboard Red Peril for that win – over this course and distance – but Gunter Wrogemann gets the ride this time, from pole position.

Trainer Corrie Lensley has turned around his yard’s form and his charge Master Barry could be the main danger.

Master Barry was not disgraced in running third behind Beat The Odds last time out and this slightly longer trip could suit him.

The Clinton Binda-trained Jewel Of The Stage won twice here earlier this season but was eight lengths behind Jack Friday when they met so clearly he has ground to find on collateral form.

Croke Park and Chisler have fair recent form and can fight for a place cheque, but will need to improve if they are to beat a fully fit Red Peril.