David Thiselton

 

A Progress Plate over 1700m is the main race at the Vaal today – the meeting moved from Turffontein because of a waterlogged track – and King Harald could be the one to beat.

 

He disappointed in the Gr 2 Gauteng Guineas when fading tamely in the straight, but before that had been close to I’m A Fireball when the latter broke the course record for 1450m at the Vaal Classic track and he then won in commanding style over 1600m last time. He has landed a good draw of two. Chronicle King will be a threat. This Gr 2 winner over 1400m gave King Harald 3kg and a 4,25 length beating in a Graduation Plate over 1450m in October. However, before that there was only a neck between them at level weights in the Gr 1 World Pool Moment Of The Day Champion Stakes over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Greyville and that was despite King Harald having to come from a wide draw. Last time out Chronicle King faded late in the 4Racing Wolf Power over 1600m at Turffontein Standside, admittedly after being used early to get the lead from a wide draw. Chronicle King seems at his best over 1400m and he not only has a worse draw than the latter of five compared to two but King Harald also receives 3kg from him on the race card and in fact receives 2,5kg if the claim of the country’s most in-form apprentice, Blaine Marx-Jacobson, is included. So King Harald gets the nod, but the race does not end there as Jimmy Don is also in the field. At his best this talented horse would be the one to beat and he is in fact so well treated at the weights that he is 3,5kg better off with the second best treated horse, Chronicle King. However, his comeback run in February, where he finished a running on 4,20 length fifth, followed  layoff of more than two-and-a-half years, so there have been some issues. The filly Gerbera represents the in-form Sean Tarry yard and on her day she would have a chance but she comes off a below par run over course and distance. The Tarry-trained Storm Brasco seemed to have potential at one stage, but has not run since last October.

 

In the first leg of the Pick 6 is over 1200m. Geostorm is a full-brother to Gr 1-winning sprinter Buffalo Storm Cody and returns from a rest of close to six months after a good debut, but can get away with it over this trip. Hammer Blow is improving and should be in the shake up. Tiger’s Captain has the form to be a contender and Highwayman Harry could still improve.

 

In the fifth race over 1200m Echo Check has some fine form and should be a big runner here. The Last Duke is talented and will enjoy the step down in trip.  Gimmethegoodlife has consistent sprint form and should be in the shake up. The Specialist has class and has bounced back to form with two wins in his last two, so he must be respected. Dantonfromsandton can’t be ignored off a competitive merit rating.

 

In the sixth over 1700m Frangipani has not been disgraced against feature company and is potentially well handicapped here. Chieftain’s Shield is a bit off form but from pole position could bounce back as he has a good finish on his day. Mocha Frappe has been a bit disappointing, but could be dangerous off this lowly merit rating from a good draw. Pretty Analia packs a strong finish if things go her way, but she will need luck from a wide draw. Unsolved Riddle won well last time over 1450m and has a chance off a four point higher mark, but interestingly Blaine Marx-Jacobson has not retained the ride and instead rides Deception Pass.

 

In the eighth over 1000m Precocious goes for a five-timer and Marx-Jacobson stays on top having been on for her last three wins. She could defy the handicapper again as she won by a cosy length last time after a six point raise and she only has to overcome a four point raise this time. On the downside Marx-Jacobson only claims 2,5kg this time compared to 4kg last time. Fiery Rose could be the one to pick up the pieces as she won impressively last time and is on the up.

 

In the ninth over 1000m Amazonian has disappointed in her last two starts but was drawn on the wrong side both times and has now come down five points in the merit ratings and gets a nice middle to high draw in the ten horse field. She looks to have scope and can bounce back.

 

In the first race Moana is the one to beat on the weight turnaround with Within Reach.

 

In the second Dear Doc was a runaway winner last time and now has an acid test carrying a 3kg penalty from a tricky draw, but he looks up to it.

 

In the third race Wispinthewillow looks hard to oppose from a fair draw.