David Thiselton
The Vaal’s nine race meeting today is headlined by a MR 93 Handicap over 1000m for fillies and mares and the high draws are advantageous by trends over this course and distance.
Poblano has been catching the eye lately and will enjoy the step down in trip. In her penultimate start over 1200m on the Classic track she made up four lengths between the 800m mark and 400m mark to be in front and only faded late to finish a 1,85 length fifth. That was despite having had a shoe attended to at the start. Then last time out over 1160m at Turffontein Standside she looked the winner before being snared by the late charge of Chrome Tourmaline. She should be prominent early in this race and stay all the way to the line so looks the one to beat from a nice draw of five out of six. Bosum Buddy fought gamely to win over course and distance last time and has been raised three points to an 86. However, as she has gone close off an 89 before she has a chance. Roaming Spirit is 1,5kg better off with Bosum Buddy for a 1,40 length beating, which over this trip puts Bosum Buddy slightly ahead, but the latter has a nice middle draw. Miss Lia is capable of earning if reproducing her best. Caroline Island ran quite well after a long layoff last time and now has her second run after a rest. Let’s Go Lola would not be a surprise earner as she ran quite well in a Listed race over 1160m in her penultimate start at 100/1 odds.
The first leg of the Pick 6 is a Middle Stakes event over 2000m and Texas Missile could claim a hattrick. He was raised six points for his last win but this One World colt is progressive and can do it from a good draw. One More Star looks to be the second choice of the yard on jockey bookings but could give his stablemate something to think about because he has a good record over this trip and has a fair draw. Dance King is a capable sort who has proved to be up to his current merit rating and he has a fair draw over an ideal trip. Vesuvio has the form to earn here if reproducing his best. Royal Edition can never be written off and Gavin Lerena, who won aboard him in his penultimate start, is back aboard.
In the sixth race over 1000m Plumbago Park has the hardest draw by trends of one. However, she is consistent and is still capable of further progression. Tempranillo was a bit disappointing last time but can do better and is 5kg better off with Deal Maker for a 2,70 length beating. There She Goes’ goes for a hattrick over this trip and can go close from a nice middle with Mickaelle Michel, who won on her in her penultimate start, back aboard with her 1,5kg gender claim. Deal Maker has three lengths to make up on There She Goes but is only 2,5kg better of if rider weight claims are ignored. Amazonian won nicely last time and could be in the shake up.
In the seventh over 1000m Time For Charity has a form chance and as she is drawn on the right side she is the choice. Blindfire is capable of earning if reproducing her best over an ideal trip from a middle draw. In The Ether is capable of s strong finish if it pans out well. Misty Metal has a low draw but with a 4kg claimer up could earn. Red Hot Kisses is drawn highest of all and off a much reduced merit rating might bounce back to a semblance of form.
In the eighth over 1600m Dondoyaki has been transformed lately over a step up in trip and should go close again from a plum draw with a 4kg claimer up. Falconfly starts off on a reasonable 65 merit rating after a maiden win over 1450m and Craig Zackey can help overcome a tricky draw of six. Gift Of Royal won well last time and looks to be improving, so can earn from a middle draw. Commander Of All should be in the shake up in this line up, despite a wide draw. Sheets And Goggles could earn from a plum draw.
In the last race Quickfreeze won impressively second time out and has pole position over a suitable trip. Salute The Flag went close last time over this trip category and has a similarly tricky draw. Continental King looks to have plenty of ability and should enjoy this trip, although he has a tricky draw. Laughing William can go close if repeating his last start and he now has a plum draw. Father Christmas got five points for his last win, which was his third run on the Highveld, but he could progress further so is not out of it.
In the first leg of the PA War Talk can beat Asia’s Tiara.
In the first race Master Spy makes appeal with Zackey up despite returning from a six month layoff.
In the second race Babette’s Feast gets a good opportunity to get off the mark.
