Ramsden runner to force his way home
Brutal Force still has quite a way to go to reclaim his R4.5-million price tag but he could push his earnings over the R1-million mark at Kenilworth on Sunday.
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The gargantuan son of Western Winter runs in Race 6, a MR 96 Handicap over 1400m for three-year-olds and despite having to give weight all round, has the form to win a race of this nature.
He has only raced six times for two wins, three seconds and one unplaced effort. It was after his run the Grade 1 Grand West Cape Guineas in December in which he finished a 9.30-length 11th behind Act Of War the decision was taken to geld him.
He did well in his first run after gelding when contesting the R1-million Cape Thoroughbred sales Stakes (Non-Black Type) over 1200m where, under a brilliant ride from Piere Strydom, got the better of Zambezi River in a driving finish.
This 1400m should be ideal for him and with Anton Marcus aboard – and a decent No 4 draw, the Joey Ramsden-trained runner should be too strong for his opposition.
His main danger could be stable companion Liquid Mercury. After four successive victories there was quite a bit of talk around Kenilworth Racecourse he was upset material for the Grade 1 Investec Derby over 2000m and consequently there was some money for the son of Trippi. He proved no match for Ertijaal, who went on to beat Act Of War by 4.75 lengths, but the grey gelding was just a head behind the runner-up in third place.
He has won three from three over the course and distance but not against this sort of company. Liquid Mercury does have the ability to win, especially with in-form Bernard Fayd’Herbe in the irons.
Grade 1 Mercury Sprint winner Fly By Night has her first outing since running a 3.30-length seventh behind Alboran Sea in the Grade 1 Betting World Cape Flying Championship over 1000m at Kenilworth in January.
She put up a disappointing effort in the race but she was reported not to be striding out freely. The Mike Bass-trained mare runs in Race 4, an Allowance Plate over 1200m for fillies and mares, and looks the standout bet on the card.
