Gold Circle Pty (Ltd)

Today's Racing :

Breeze On By to blow them away

Chad Cooke
Moderate is the most complimentary way to describe the nine-race card that will be run on the sand at the Vaal on Thursday afternoon.
Add to that the uncertainties of the sand surface and the card is not an easy one. Three 66 MR Handicaps head proceedings, the first coming in the sixth over 1200m where the draw is such a crucial factor.
The Paul Matchett-trained Breeze On By brings some good recent form into the race, his last outing being a close second over 1 160m at Turffontein in yielding going after having been rested for two months.
The gelding will strip fitter now and from a good draw looks to have every chance. Add to that good form over the course and distance and he could be the horse to beat. Dominic Zaki’s Caesour's Heights and Leon Erasmus's Leprecorn's Gift have both drawn wide but they are capable on their day and should be the main challengers.
The seventh race is the second of the 66 MR Handicaps, this race being run over 1 450m where again the draw is all important.
The four horses are preferred, Prince Val, Cannon 'N Cordite, Thick As Thieves and Balance Of Payment, the latter being the slightly favoured of the four.
Paul Matchett's Balance Of Payment brings some good recent form into the race and although his efforts on the sand are not that inspiring he should give a good account of himself.
The eighth to be run over 1600m is also competitive and again four horses are favoured to fight this one out - Beebejay, Durable Fire, Royall Terrace and Big John. Trainer Weiho Marwing saddles Royal Terrace and if the gelding can put his best foot forward, he could get the verdict. Royal Terrace has placed over the course and distance and has drawn well which may give him the edge.

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