Norgay may still have the edge
Norgay has proven he stays 1800m, especially on the inside track at Turffontein, and St John Gray’s runner can notch up his fourth win in five races when he lines up in Race 7 over the course and distance today.
BIG CHANCE: Norgay showed a liking for the Turffontein inside track last time and can score his fourth win in five starts in Race 7 today.
He teams up once again with Piere Strydom, who rode the son of Sarge to victory last time, but they will not have everything their own way, Norgay jumps from barrier No 2, which is a massive advantage, but he carries 60kg, 3.5kg more than last time.
The draw will allow Strydom to get the five-year-old gelding well placed and it could all come down to the final 100m and to whether Norgay will be able to fight off the opposition.
Although not the most reliable of performers, Augustinus stands out as the main danger. He got within 0.50 lengths of Norgay last time and is 1kg better off. He failed in his next start over 2200m at the course and maybe that extra 400m was not in his favour. Jet Avenger tries 1800m for the first time and the Mike de Kock-trained runner is improving with every start. He has run at the course, finishing a 0.75-length second behind Captain’s Anchor over 1200m, so he does handle the track.
He carries just 54kg, jumps from barrier No 1 and has Akash Aucharuz on his back.
