Tar Heel to enjoy 1000m run

In his last two the Var gelding has raced over 1200m and 1400m respectively and he compounded in both. In fact, last time, in the CTS Million Dollar, he trailed in some 40 lengths behind Illuminator but was found to be making an abnormal respiratory noise.

His biggest strength is his speed and at least he will be able to use it to his advantage. The Joey Ramsden-trained runner has competed four times over 1000m and has built up a record of two wins and two second places.

Line Break was well ridden by Grant van Niekerk last time to get up just short of the line to beat Exelero by a long head. However, he has not won over 1000m and this in part is due to his tendency of losing ground at the start.

He cannot afford to give the field start in this event but if he is able to keep Tar Heel in his sights, the Mike Bass-trained runner cannot be written off.

Kirumbo is not well weighted but gets some help from the 2.5kg allowance claimed by apprentice Heavelon van der Hoven. He has also not been able to win over this distance but could place.