David Mollett
30 October 2008
Johannesburg — NO DOUBT attracted by the weakness of the rand, owners and trainers from Turkey and Hong Kong are expected to be amongst the leading buyers at Sunday's Emperors Palace Ready-To-Run Sale in Germiston.
"We have been reliably informed to expect buyers from Turkey - the word is clearly spreading that we are breeding some top-class thoroughbreds," said Bloodstock SA sales manager Caroline Simpson yesterday.
"In addition, we are expecting further interest from Hong Kong, and David Ferraris has confirmed he will be here," said Simpson.
Despite the worldwide financial turmoil, champion breeder, Mick Goss, remains confident the sale will hold up well. "When you look at the catalogue, you can be excused thinking that this is the national sales," commented Goss.
Goss and his fellow breeders will also be encouraged that the recent Tattersalls Timeform Millions October yearling sale exceeded expectations.
At the conclusion of the sale, Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony said: "With turmoil in the financial markets throughout the world we approached the sale with a certain amount of trepidation.
"To record an average and median all but matching last year's figures is a great result for all concerned."
Whether David Ferraris - now a top trainer in Hong Kong - manages to arrive in time to attend today's meeting at the Vaal remains to be seen.
He will certainly be interested in the result of the second race as he owns the three-year-old, Norwegian Wood, in partnership with his father, Ormond.
Norwegian Wood, a R180000 buy as a yearling, could open his account as he's better drawn than his principal rival, Thirty Nine Steps.
Once again, jockey Anton Marcus should be among the winners and it's not impossible that he could win on all of his six mounts at the meeting.
He should start the ball rolling on Pattina in the first race although there could well be a market move for Geoff Woodruff's newcomer, Paradiso. The filly is a half- sister to eight-time winner, Roman Charger.
Aussie import Falsneetch may appreciate reverting to a shorter trip in the third race in which Lovely Sash may be the right horse for the exacta.
Red Pine (fourth race), Jewel In Her Crown (fifth), Supa Glow (seventh) and Badabingbadaboom are other promising rides for Marcus.
The pick of this quartet may be Supa Glow as there was a lot to like about the National Assembly's course win a fortnight ago.
Marcus doesn't have a ride in the sixth race where The Seals, fifth in last month's Hampton Handicap, will be a warm order to win the fourth race of his career.
Mark Khan's mount, No Limits, rates the danger.
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