Image courtesy AFP
With the likes of unbeaten Chekilli and Grade 1 winner Forest Indigo, he already looked to have a depth of talent available to him.
More recently he has brought out Mister Cricket and Solar Tryptich, both of whom look loaded with ability. Tomorrow on the Turffontein inside track Laird saddles another useful three-year-old Bezanova in Race 6, a MR 93 Handicap over 1450m.
This son of Bezrin has run four times for two wins, a third and a six-length fifth in the Grade 2 Dingaans over 1600m. He won his first two starts convincingly, with his second victory coming over 1600m on this track. Laird blamed himself for Bezanova’s one-length loss to Bold Inspiration over 1400m on the standside track, saying he gave jockey Marthinus Mienie the wrong instructions.
Bezanova played up at the start of the Dingaans and his fifth behind Willow Magic was no disgrace.
On this occasion he carries just 54.5kg and is ideally draw at No 2. Francois Herholdt, who rode him to that victory at this track, takes the ride once again.
Laird has three runners in this race and the main danger to Bezanova could be stablemate Mesmerize. The four-year-old son of Var has been a consistent performer, having scored four wins and five places from 14 starts. He has just returned from stint in KwaZulu-Natal and in his last start, was touched off on the line by the Mike de Kock-trained Captain Lars.
Mesmerize jumps from pole position and will have S’manga Khumalo, who has been in superb form, in the irons.
Brooks-Club has always been ultra-consistent and although placing against some of the best horses in the country, took more than two years to notch up his second career victory. That win was on the sand last November. He was narrowly beaten by Isobar over 1400m on the standside track earlier this month and should run into the Trifecta.