Hazy Dazy’s silks win twice at Vaal
Trompe L’Oeil: Nice horse with scope. (JC Photos).
Racing is not built on superstition and races cannot be predicted with perceived omens, but it’s nice to dream, and pose the question now and then: Will one win have a bearing on the possibility of a future win?
In the case of Thursday’s Vaal meeting: Will two wins by runners in Hazy Dazy’s silks encourage her to win Saturday’s Holywoodbets Durban July?
The in-form Spies team will quietly be crossing fingers that winning silks make a difference, but they’re loving the experience and the build-up all the same, whatever happens on Saturday.
Trompe L’Oeil made a winning debut in Race 1 over 1000m and Cover Charge won his Maiden in Race 3, over 1800m, They won in the familiar blue, white crossed sashes, red sleeves and cap – often sported by runners competing for Rob Macnab and various partners, and successful at race meetings around the country, including on previous Durban July days.
Trompe L’Oeil (Gimmethegreenlight) showed determination to reel in the pace-setter, Astrophile, under Trent Mayhew, who will partner Hazy Dazy on Saturday and said: “He is still a puppy. He was lost out there and running in snatches, but he got there when it mattered and will only improve from here. He is a very strong horse and I think he will win a lot more.”
“Hopefully this was just a warm-up for Saturday, it’s exciting!”
Assistant trainer Francois Naude commented: “I am glad for all the owners, who are already in Durban and went to the KZN Sale.”
Trompe L’Oeil runs for MacNab, Stergio Poriazis, Diresh and Mrs Dasrath, and was bred by Alec Foster out of a Captain Al mare, which is promising indeed.
Cover Charge (Erik The Red) competes for MacNab, José Soares, Vikash Sobaren, Adv J J B Schutte & Mrs I Reddy, and he was ridden to victory by Kabelo Matsunyane, who commented: “He was on his toes on the parade ring and enjoyed the step up in trip. I think he is a horse with ability.”
Cover Charge is a half-brother to the exported star Surcharge (later re-named Yulong Prince) and looks to have found his rhythm now: “He is an out and out stayer. He is very lazy and we put the blinkers on. I told Kabelo to lead or sit second so they don’t get way from him,” said Naude.
Cover Charge liked the blinkers and extra ground.
