Gauteng trainer Charles Laird runs one of the most powerful
stables in South Africa and his two runners in Saturday's R2-million,
Grade 1 J&B Met are prepared to the minute for the 2 000m
race.
The Western Winter colt Lion Tamer, to be ridden by stable
jockey Anton Marcus and the Rakeen gelding Likeithot in the
hands of Guilermo Figueroa, have been down at Kenilworth since
Tuesday last week and have been galloped on the Kenilworth track
to familiarise them with the left hand turn and the track itself.
"Their preparation has gone perfectly and I couldn't ask
for anything better. Lion Tamer is a galloper and usually races
from the front to ensure a good pace. But he could sit third
or fifth if there is a pace on.
"There are no stamina doubts about him or Likeithot. Lion
Tamer ran fourth in the Vodacom Durban July and was an immature
three-year-old at the time and his run in the Summer Cup was
outstanding - a tough task from the front at Turffontein.
"Likeithot is a very honest horse and always runs well
and if both horses run to their ability that is all we ask."
Discussing his three-year-old Rambo Dancer gelding Pick Six
who runs in the Investec Cape Derby, Charles described him as
a lovely horse who will stay every inch of the 2 000m trip.
"He has improved with every race and has come on six or
seven lengths. He was stabled at Clairwood during the winter
season and although he never raced there, he was galloped on
the track and will have no problem with the left hand turn.
"He is still an immature horse and has only had four races.
We have thrown him in the deep end so far and he has come out
swimming."
Commenting on his run when winning the Sea Cottage stakes,
Charles said he had spoken to jockey Brett Smith who rode Biarritz
in the race and Brett commented that he thought he had the race
won and couldn't believe how Pick Six had run past him so easily.