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African Night Sky faces eight opponents in his bid to become the first since Pocket Power 11 years ago to win all three legs of the Winter Series.
The gelding’s biggest threat in the Highlands Stud Winter Derby at Kenilworth on Saturday could well be Newlands, particularly with Anton Marcus flying down to take the mount. The Joey Ramsden-trained gelding is officially rated a kilo better than the probable favourite and he also receives a kilo.
African Night Sky, unlike a number of those who have tried and failed in this race in the past, has the pedigree for the job. By the 2003 Durban July winner Dynasty, he is out of a mare who won over an extended mile and a half.
“He hasn’t tried the trip before so there is a doubt in that respect,” says Chris Snaith. “But he is bred to get it and I personally don’t really have any doubts.”
Marcus’s other mounts include the R6 million purchase Silver Coin who hasn’t raced since making a winning debut in early April. He runs in the Langerman, a race that Ramsden has dominated like no other, winning nine of the last 16 runnings.
Kingston Passage, who cost punters dear when failing to fire at 16-10 on Sunday, had a legitimate reason for his below par display. Senior stipe Ernie Rodrigues had an NHA vet examine the gelding yesterday morning and the horse was found to be short on his left hind.