Viva’s Liberte will compete in the Grade 1 Daily News 2000 race over 2,000 meters at Greyville on May 30, carrying a high rating of 114 and contesting prize money of two million rand (S$156,000) [1, 2]. Owned by Khaya Stables and bred by Lammerskraal Stud, the colt is sired by Vercingetorix, who won the Daily News, and out of Viva Star, a Jet Master mare who captured the Grade 1 Woolavington 2000 in 2012 [1, 2].
The horse’s trainer, Candice Bass, expressed confidence that Viva’s Liberte will handle the step up to 2,000 meters despite the colt occasionally taking a strong hold during races. "(Jockey) Craig (Zackey) seems to find that he gets a little bit strong. I don’t know because he’s never strong at home. I just think he’s got a very big action more than the fact that he’s strong. He will be placed where he is comfortable, where he is not pulling, and hopefully there’s a little bit of pace. He’s doing well and he will definitely get the trip, no doubt about that," Bass said [1].
Viva’s Liberte started his career by winning his first two races at distances of 1,365m and 1,400m and has been placed in all seven starts to date, including two runs beyond a mile [1, 2]. He finished third in the Grade 1 Cape Derby over 2,000m at Kenilworth on February 28, beaten by three lengths [1, 2]. On May 3, he improved to second place by 0.30 lengths behind La Pulga in the Grade 3 Legal Eagle Stakes at 1,800m, also at Kenilworth [1, 2].
Khaya Stables have previous success in the Daily News 2000, winning it two years ago with Green With Envy. The stable also won the Grade 1 Durban July (2,200m) last year with The Real Prince [1, 2]. Viva’s Liberte is currently just outside the horses securing a spot in the Durban July field and will need a strong showing in the Daily News 2000 to qualify [1, 2].
The colt’s pedigree and recent form suggest he could adapt well to Greyville, as both his sire and dam performed strongly there [1, 2]. Bass also trains Rainbow Lorikeet and Beach Verse, who are entered in the Grade 2 Lucky Fish Woolavington 2000 race [1, 2].
The Grade 1 Daily News 2000 will take place on May 30, with the next major event at Greyville being the Grade 1 Durban July over 2,200m on July 4 [1, 2].