‘Rock’ is hard to crack

There was a lot to like about Green Rock’s maiden win over 1200m on the Vaal and track last time. He picked up the lead halfway up the straight and just powered away from the opposition to beat La Tourelle by seven lengths. Two winners have already come from that form. La Tourelle, although he did not win his next start, came out over 1450m last Thursday to beat Music Maestro by a neck.

Even more impressive was fourth-placed The Captain’s Tune, who did win next time out and then ran a cracker last Saturday to finish a 1.75-length third behind Bezanova in a strong Graduation Plate.

Green Rock has only raced three times and on debut finished a 5.50-length fourth behind Ermine Street. Two winners have come out of that form line. In his second start the Wallace Tolmay-trained runner ran second behind King’s Consent, beaten 3.50 lengths, and three winners have come out of that form line.

All three runs appear to be very strong and as a result, it could pay to follow this three-year-old son of Seventh Rock when he steps out in a MR 80 Handicap over 1000m on the Vaal sand today. The only concern is the drop in distance as all three of his previous outings were over 1200m at the same course.

In his favour is he has always shown quite a lot of speed and should not find himself outpaced early on. That could also be the main reason Tolmay has carded the gelding to run in blinkers for the first time.

He carries just 55.5kg and will be ridden for the first time by Ian Sturgeon.

Mogok’s Desire is not without talent but does have his fair share of problems. However, when in the right frame of mood and no aches and pains are troubling, this five-year-old gelding is most capable. Leon Erasmus’ charged showed a return to form last time when he finished a 2.25-length second behind Greasepaint over 1000m on the turf track. He is equally adept to the sand and has won over the course and distance.

Hennie Greyling takes the ride.

Hang Fire has raced against far stronger than any of these runners. His last start was in the Listed Hampton Handicap in which he finished a 5.75-length fifth behind Trip Tease, who is a star on the surface.

If the others do not run up to scratch, the race could produce a welcome winner for the Brett Webber stable.