Leon van Rensburg Karoo Stables ( South African based in England )
SynopsisMade a late return from retirement last year with a weak string.
FlatA late start hampered handicap exploits but nevertheless picked up numerous wins and one or two big handicaps.
NHAn ok season with a couple of grade 1 victories and victory in the Grand National with Quanah Parker.
TargetsFlatEverything 1m4 and under will more than likely be handicapping. As in previous campaigns the stable will be geared towards the big staying races and I will be aiming to win races I have won before like the Gold Cup, Melbourne Cup, Queens Vase, Prix du Cadran, Chester Cup etc
Begining and End ( Presly - Alpha et Omega by Wop Bam Boogie )Races handy and can hit the front too early. Will be aimed 11/12 furlong handicaps
Clairvoyance ( World News - Unmatched by Special Trade )Finds something extra when headed. Both a mile and 7 furlongs are suitable. Needs the ground to be good or worse and prospects are average.
Coming of age ( Supersonic - Word Game by Whips and Chains )Consistent 6 furlong sprinter who can get a stiff 5 furlongs. Will see things go in her maiden but may be aimed at listed and group races
Daenerys Targeryen (Emperors Cup - Glamour Puss by Task Force )Will seek out the softer ground races. Should be competitive at group level as long as the ground is worse than good. Versatile regarding trip and can race handy or come from midfield.
Deception ( World News - Propaganda by Sundance Kid )Jumps bred horse who found the ground too slow for his liking in NH. Began flat career at 4 winning a group 1 on debut. Needs it fast and will see how he runs on debut to see if he goes handicapping or into group races. Epsom Derby is a possible target as he likes the course. If things pan out well on debut then there are high hopes for some prize money at the top level.
Fealty ( Michaelangelo - Princess Mononoke by Red Army )Stamina laden pedigree for this jumps bred mare. Another who began flat career at 4. Loves Flemington and Randwick and the Sydney Cup and Melbourne Cup ( depending on her weight ) are her targets. All ground comes alike so no fears on that front.
Jamie Lannister ( Go to War - Mummify by Hush ) Mudlark who is at his best on soft or heavy ground. Likes the the Curragh and hoping the ground comes up soft for the St ledger. Will be in the group races if the rain comes. If not will go down the handicap route depending on rating.
Magic Ritual ( War Relic - Coven by Plant of Ice )Yet another jumps bred horse who was a revelation when tried on the flat. Ideally wants soft ground. Ideal distance is 11 furlongs but 10 and 12 furlongs are within her range. Various options for her down the handicapping route and will hope for a good mark to exploit on her favoured ground conditions.
Man in Black ( Conversation Piece - Mercurial Star by Leading Star )Jumps bred horse who is equally at home over 2m2 and 2m4. High expectations and should pick up some wins.
Michaelangelo ( Art projection - Fairy Godmother by Kind Words )Equally at home over 1mile 6 and 2 furlongs and may compete in group or listed races.
Sand Dust ( Fired Silk - Technicolour by Spontaneous )Needs a strong pace to be seen at best and although gets 6 furlongs 5 furlongs suits best. Will probably be handicapping.
Silent Fire ( Silent Mamba - Fire Dancer by Whispering Voice )Unraced on the flat although the dam side of his breeding is laden with group 1 winning sprinters. His sire never ran on the flat. Equally at home over 7 furlongs and a mile. Newmarket is the ideal course. Needs it soft to be seen in best light but does handle good ground. High hopes and may get a guineas entry.
Spell ( Jallad -All Thrills Too by Village Market )Another NH bred horse although her sire and dam were decent flat horses sent jumping. Ideal distance is 9 furlongs but can run the odd incredible time over 10 furlongs. Not sure what to make of her chances and will see how she runs on debut before plotting her campaign.
Task Force ( Great Hope - Voice Book by Whispering Voice )Star 2 mile hurdler who won numerous grade 1 hurdles despite his liking for firm ground. Never ran on the flat but both his sire and his dams sire dominated the 5 furlong division. So he does come with an impeccable flat pedigree. Will be aimed at the top sprint handicaps. The Epsom dash being one of his targets.
Troy ( God Chief - Walkaway by Wop Bam Boogie )Jumps bred and although he had a good career over fences found the ground often against him. Wants it firm and the flat is ideal for him. Gets 2 miles 4 easily in fact this is his preferred distance but equally at home over 2 miles 2 and will be aimed at the Chester cup and Doncaster Cup on tracks he has distinct likings for. Was worried that he would be hammered by the handicapper after his debut but found a soft ground 2mile3 furlong race on a course he does not like
in week 1. If he wins that I have a superstar but more than likely will be on a good mark
after the race.
Unmatched ( Special Trade - Voice of Doom by Temple of Doom )Another unraced on the flat jumps bred horse ( Don't know why I bothered playing the flat game!!! ). Loves Newmarket and both 7 furlongs and 1 mile suit. Runs some very good times over a mile so may be guineas bound. Likes to be help up so foresee some problems although may be able to exploit a nice handicap mark if she can't find room on her debut.
Voice of Doom ( Temple of Doom - Hushed Voices by Whispering Voices )A freak of nature. Sire is an Rynair / RSA chase / world hurdle winner . Trounced all comers in bumpers and 2 mile hurdles for many seasons and then proceeded to trail in many lengths adrift in hurdles and bumper trials ??? However on the flat its a different story and despite never running a race on the flat destroys all comers over both 5 and 6 furlongs. Probably not group class as only runs 1 min10.1 over 6 furlongs and 57.3 over 5 furlongs but will be aimed at the top handicaps. The Wokingham being one of her targets.
Wildling Warrior ( World News - Oligarchy by Orange Town )Consistent 10 furlong juvenile who may be good enough for listed races but not holding my breath.
NHThe stables star sires
Wop Bam Boogie and
Temple of Doom keep churning out monster jumpers so big things are expected A very strong stable will be put together and targets are numerous. Aiming for a top 5 finish.
There are a further 12 inmates to be added. Watch this space