The Vaal has a nine race card on the outside track tomorrow and by trends high draws will be favoured.
The first is a Maiden for fillies and mares over 1200m and is tricky due to the horse that makes most appeal, Girl On The Run, having a tough number one draw. She ran on well over course and distance on debut and should go close. Russian Friend finished just 0,8 lengths behind Girl On The a Run last time but is better drawn this time, although she is more exposed. She should earn in this field. The first-timer Mamdooha is well-bred being by All American out of a Redoute’s Choice mare, but is drawn on the wrong side. Storyfields has been given a busy schedule and is having her fifth run after having made her debut less than a month ago, but from a fair draw she should earn in the line up. First-timer I’m The Fire does not make much appeal.
Anthony Delpech
The second is a Maiden over 1200m and First Officer Al could beat home stablemate Rock On, two hard knockers drawn on the right side. Red Rebel is interesting returning from a long layoff having once produced a decent effort over 1600m behind the top class Abashiri. William Nicol has produced some fair efforts but is drawn on the wrong side. Mendoza’s Melody has shown some ability and has Strydom up but also has a tough draw.
The third is a Maiden over 1600m and Count Tassilo ran well on debut over 1200m and will relish the step up in trip on pedigree. First-timer Roaming Jet is drawn on the wrong side but being a Jet Master half-brother to the classy Celtic Captain he is an interesting debutant, although he is already a four-year-old. Royal Honour ran an improved race when stepped up to this trip and from a good draw is preferred to Keep On Flying and Il Duce for a trifecta finish.
The fourth is an interesting maiden for fillies and mares over 1600m and Mythical Magic, who ran a decent race over this trip last time out, looks to have plenty of scope for improvement and is drawn on the right side, although on the downside this is her return from a three month layoff. Nother Russia by Tiger Ridge out of the multiple Gr 1-winning champion Mother Russia made a good debut over 1200m and will relish the step up in trip. Dalley is improving and can earn if finding a good spot from a tough draw, and Runalong could beat Love Tryst into a minor place.
The fifth is a MR 72 Handicap over 1600m. Mann’s Inn could follow up on his recent win over course and distance as he has always been well regarded and is only two points higher in the merit ratings. Delpech is up from a plum draw. Stablemate Cockade is perfectly course and distance suited and made a good comeback recently from a year’s layoff. Gavin Lerena is up from a fair draw. Profit Ratio looks a fair type and has a chance off an initial 77 merit rating.
The sixth is a MR 76 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1600m and the hard knocking Escudo is well drawn over a suitable course and distance so could beat home Bondiblu and Gain Ground.
The seventh is a MR 72 Handicap over 1200m and Tokyo Drift should appreciate the step down in trip. Cannes has only been given a two point raise for an easy win so could follow up from a fair draw. Extreme Dubai has talent and stayed on over 1000m first time out the maidens.
The eighth is a MR 72 Handicap over 1200m and On The Nod is down to an attractive merit rating so could get the better of the improving Dragoon as well as Rushing Lark, who has a good draw and jockey.
The last is a MR 72 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1400m. Dangerous Diva is course and distance suited and has Delpech up from a good draw, so could beat home Sweet Habanero, while the talented Miracle Rising could bounce back and Wendish and Chartwell must also be considered despite tough draws.
By David Thiselton
