The Vaal Classic track stages an low key eight race meeting tomorrow and Whorly Whorly could give punters a good start in the Pick 6.
Alfolk (JC Photographics)
The three-year-old Great Britain gelding was 1kg under sufferance in the Grade 3 Lebelo Sprint over 1000m and did well to finish a 2,25 length fourth to the classy Alfolk. He now runs off the same merit rating of 92 in this MR 86 Handicap over 1000m. In The Lebelo he was up with the pace early on but then dropped back and had quite a bit to do by the time they had reached the 400m mark. He then ran on well. He now has blinkers on and this is obviously with a view to him staying in the race in the middle stages. Sporting Monarch, the topweight, is a consistent sort with plenty of pace and as 1200m specialist he should get away with a 128 day layoff over this trip.
Rebel’s Champ is likely better than his last run. He was not impeded in that race but did have a lot of horses around him, whereas in his previous start, a win, he was on his own on the outside and was then sent for home early. A repeat of that tactic might see him bouncing back to his best. He’s Great won his maiden from start to finish and followed up using the same tactic. Last time he led again and then found extra when challenged at the end and failed by only 0,2 lengths. He is 1kg under sufferance, but looks to be on the up and will be a threat. Punta Cana has class and was impressive on debut over this trip. Last time he probably needed the run when well beaten over this trip in his first run for over a year. He should improve but still has 3,15 lengths to make up on He’s Great and is only 1,5kg better off, although he was a head clear of Rebel’s Champ in that race. Barrack Street was among the best sprinters as a two-year-old but despite being by Dynasty and a half-brother to Jay Peg, he is quite small and has been battling this season.
Jameson Girl has been chosen as a Pick 6 banker in the next leg, a MR 78 Handicap over 1000m for fillies and mares. She usually has good pace and a kick, but the donning of blinkers last time blunted her kick. The blinkers being removed are among the card changes for the day and she should now bounce back to her best in her third run after a layoff. She has to carry topweight, but has mixed it with better horses than these and has never been disgraced.
The next leg is the highest rated race on the card, a MR 96 handicap over 1200m, and Zouaves could use his fine turn of foot to sweep past then from a plum draw, although Torro Del Oro, Splendid Garden, Pure Blonde and Marmook should also be considered.
By David Thiselton
