Previews Turffontein Saturday 31 December
Race 1
Preview: GREEN PLAINS is by Gimmethegreenlight out of a half-sister to the useful Juan Pablo. SANDALWOOD by Great Britain out of Captain Al mare is a half-sister to Var gelding Peanuts who won twice over 1000m at the Vaal early in his career.
Race 2
MODJAJI has plenty of early speed and from a probably favourable high draw and off a one point lower merit rating than last time looks the one to beat. EFFORTLESS REWARD has speed and class and with first time blinkers on should be right there. LADY ON FIRE is knocking on the door and has a fair draw too.
Race 3
Preview: SURPRISE MOVE is an Australian-bred by New Approach and doesn’t have a lot to beat here. AT SUNSET had some good form before a layoff of eight months and could run well fresh over a trip short of his best from a high draw. MOSS GAS was caught late last time over course and distance and should be involved again.
Race 4
Preview: ANNA PAVLOVA, who packs a powerful finish, looks capable of rising above this class and a wide draw on the Standside course is manageable. MAGICALITY is well regarded and is probably looking for this step up in trip after being a touch one paced last time in a sprint. MOVIE AWARD is well drawn and drops in class so could do well over a course and distance she has won over before. RETURN TO POWER was tried in a feature last time and is merit rated only 78 so can’t be ignored. MY FRIEND LEE and SAMARRA have to be considered too.
Race 5
Preview: RAFEEF is full of class and is interesting stepped up in trip after finding another gear late last time to fend off a challenger comfortably in a sprint, although he does have a tricky draw to overcome. APOCALYPSE NOW won well on debut and should also appreciate the step up in trip. IRISH PRIDE is a classy sort and the best might not have been seen of him yet so he will be a threat over an ideal trip.
Race 6
Preview: CAPTAIN CHIPS is knocking on the door and now has a good draw over this ideal trip. JUST A GIGOLO has a strong finish so is course and distance suited. ACT OF LOYALTY is a classy and progressive sort and can earn despite top weight.
Race 7
Preview: RIVARINE’s last run over this trip when touched off by Green Pepper to whom he conceded 7,5kg looks exceptionally good form and he is the best bet on the card. AFRICAN RULER has Andrew Fortune up so this classy older sprinter can’t be ignored although he has a low draw as oppsed to Rivarine’s probable favourable high draw. WRECKING BALL is going the right way and can earn again. CAPTAIN’S CAUSEWAY is also coming into his own. SEATTLE SINGER is speedy and will appreciate the step down in trip.
Race 8
Preview: SPRING STEEL was caught wide last time around the turn but still won comfortably so can overcome a five point merit rated raise from a likely favourable high draw. BARBEL RUN went close last time over course and distance and off the same mark will likely have the advantage of the Standside rail again. ANALYSE THIS showed speed over 1400m with blinkers on and is an intriguing runner over a step down in trip. JUST AS I SAID showed last time gelding has improved him and can’t be ignored despite a likely tricky draw and a five point raise. FIELDMARSHAL FENIX has a low draw too but was unlucky last time and should be involved.
