Two MR 84 handicaps are the highlight of a lowkey nine race card at the Vaal Inside track tomorrow.
The first of them is a competitive one for fillies and mares over 1800m. Pilgrim’s Progress has always struck as one with ability and last time out stayed on quite well from behind over the too sharp 1600m. She has a good draw here and it is her third run after a layoff. She is unbeaten in three starts from 1800-2000m.
She’s A Giver
The chief danger could be Being Fabulous. She was far from disgraced over 1600m last time when setting the pace against some useful males and now has her third run after a layoff over a trip she should get. From pole position she should be able to dictate the pace, although she does have to give the field 3kg and more. Secret Potion is a leggy sort with a fine turn of foot and she probably hit the front too soon last time when having to hold on bravely over 2000m.
She might appreciate the step down in trip and off just a three point higher mark this progressive filly can make it a hattrick. Forest Express was tried in a feature after an impressive maiden win over 1600m, so must be held in high regard and she sneaks into the handicap with the minimum weight, so must have a good chance over a step up in trip she should relish.
Cold Cash wasn’t disgraced behind the like of She’s A Giver over 1600m last time in a conditions plate when way under sufferance and she has her third run after a layoff over a suitable trip. Pennington Sands could earn if repeating her last run as she has been dropped another two points in the merit ratings.
The next race is a MR 84 handicap over 1700m. Shenanigans is hard to asses. Last time, after hitting a flat spot in a 2000m event, he stormed home and just failed. He looked to need every inch of that distance, but in his previous start had shown a fine turn of foot when winning over 1600m, so he should enjoy this 1700m trip. He has been raised only two points for his last run and is well drawn. Notting Hill is a nice rangy sort and needed his last run over 1400m when fading out. He could surprise from a good draw over a more suitable trip and if he doesn’t place tomorrow, he should be followed subsequently as he has always struck as a decent sort. Diamond Dancer is a resolute galloper with a good kick and should run well fresh over a trip just a touch short of his best.
The best bet on the card could be in the last over 1100m as Inyanga put up a fine display last time from a tough draw with first-time blinkers on and Strydom remains aboard from a favourable draw.
However, the first three legs of the Pick 6 are tough and players might have to go wide.
By David Thiselton
