Eight On Eighteen Holes Out In Daily News.
Monday, 26 May 2025Eight on Eighteen, backed at 4/10 to win the Gr 1 Daily News over 2000m at Greyville, romped just as short-priced favourites are expected to do.
Stablemate Makazole set a solid tempo with the chalk anchored at the back of the small field by Richard Fourie. He then made a sweeping move around the home turn, drifted towards the inside rail and drew off to beat the filly, Spumante Dolce (s/s 105) comfortably.
Eight on Eighteen earned a speed score of 110, surpassing his previous bests of 108 and, given the merit of this victory when not put under serious pressure, looks practically unstoppable over middle distances.
Okavango and Native Ruler improved on their first KZN starts to get very good speed figs of 104. But they were left trailing in a different time zone by their outstanding, Justin Snaith trained stable companion.
Snaith Racing also took out the Gr 2 Woolavington with Little Suzie, who shortened considerably in early trade from 14’s into a third of that price - and landed the coup in a rough contest. This race was noticeably slower than the Daily News over the same trip and thus only worthy of a speed figure of 95.
She was followed in by My Soul Mate and promising 3YO, Mocha Blend.
Snaith enjoyed a productive national campaign over the weekend, also winning the Stormsvlei Stakes with Beware the Bomb (s/s 97) at Kenilworth on Sunday. Richard Fourie gave her a perfectly timed front running steer, and she sustained an even gallop to hold off both Gold Poker Game (s/s 95 and Fun Zone (s/s 95).
Otto Luyken (s/s 104) has really come into his own over middle distances in contests run at a true pace when equipped with blinkers. He nearly capsized excellent 3YO Garrix last time in a close finish to the Legal Eagle Stakes and gained revenge in the Pocket Power over 1950m.
Trained to peak fitness by B & J Crawford, he fought back to get it on the bob after Garrix had moved past sweetly towards the 200m. According to jockey Gavin Lerena, the runner up is better over shorter, at this stage of his career. Nevertheless, Garrix who has consistently hit figures of 101-103, can, with healthy development, hit some big numbers as a mature 4 YO next term.
