Legal Eagle – Sun Met 2019 – Horse Profile

All the info you need to know about the 2019 Sun Met runner LEGAL EAGLE. This Sean Tarry trained gelding will be ridden by Lyle Hewitson in the big race at Kenilworth on Saturday 26th January 2019. Betting is available now at Hollywoodbets. 

(Photo Credit: Gold Circle/Liesl King)

1) Legal Eagle – 14/1

Jockey: Lyle Hewitson
Trainer: Sean Tarry
Owner: Messrs William Henderson, F H McGrath & A J van Huyssteen
Colours: Dayglo yellow, purple spots

Breeder: Avontuur Thoroughbred Farm
Sire: Greys Inn (USA)
Dam: Young Sensation (by National Emblem)

Age: 7
Colour: Bay
Sex: Gelding
MR: 121


Weight: 60
Draw: 11 (13)

Career Record: 27 runs, 15 wins, 9 places
Stakes Won: R 11,909,625

Runs at Kenilworth: 10 (6 wins, 2 places)
Runs at 2000m Distance: 7 (2 wins, 2 places)

Notable Runs:
1st in the 2018 Green Point Stakes (Gr 2) – 1600m – Replay
1st in the 2018 Horse Chestnut Stakes (Gr 1) – 1600m
4th in the 2018 Sun Met (Gr 1) – 2000m
1st in the 2018 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate (Gr 1) – 1600m
1st in the 2017 Green Point Stakes (Gr 2) – 1600m
2nd in the 2017 Sun Met (Gr 1) – 2000m
2nd in the 2016 Sun Met (Gr 1) – 2000m

Trainer Comments:
Gauteng based champion trainer Sean Tarry often arrives with purpose and is definitely a conditioner who seems to thrive on South Africa’s feature racedays. A winner of the Met in 2005 with Alastor and seeking another with arguably the best miler in the country Legal Eagle. Trainer Sean Tarry commented:

His prep has gone smoothly and although it has been well-documented that he was quiet on Queen’s Plate day, he did take his gallop well and seems to have turned the corner. I am expecting a true run race but I don’t think the pace will be too hard. The big threats in the race are clear with Do It Again and Rainbow Bridge having shown their potential and I won’t be surprised if Oh Susanna is up there again.”

Jockey Comments:
Reigning South African champion jockey Lyle Hewitson has been lucky enough to pick up the mount on Legal Eagle who ran a creditable fourth in last year’s event behind Oh Susanna which could continue to catapult his fledgling career and he commented:

“Legal Eagle’s last run was a bit below par but still wasn’t disgraced, other than that his prep has been absolutely perfect. When studying the field I expect a good pace this year and my best ride could be Trip To Heaven or Chimichuri Run although it is a very competitive racecard.” 

Winning Form – Magic Tips Comment:
Brilliant sort but stiff test to reverse last run.

Hollywoodbets Comments:

• Legal Eagle won a cracking race in the 2018 Green Point Stakes, beating the likes of Do It Again, Rainbow Bridge, and Undercover Agent on the line. Watch the replay here.
• Legal Eagle is three time winner of the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate, which is run over 1600m at Kenilworth. In his fourth attempt at four victories this year, he finished in 4th place.
• Jockey Anton Marcus, who has ridden Legal Eagle in 21 of his 27 races, has rather opted for the ride on RAINBOW BRIDGE.
• Lyle Hewitson, who is the reigning champion jockey of South Africa, will get the ride on Legal Eagle. Hewitson was still an apprentice up until the 5th January 2019.
• Hewitson was the jockey on the 2018 Summer Cup (Gr 1) winning horse Tilbury Fort.