The Vaal Classic track stages a low key nine race meeting tomorrow ahead of the fireworks in two weeks time at Turffontein’s Classic meeting.
The highlight will be the fourth race, a Pinnacle Stakes event over 1450m, in which some good horses appear as a likely preparation event for the Grade 1 HSH Princess Charlene Empress Club Stakes over 1600m next month. Nother Russia has speed and class and from a good draw looks the one to beat. She is certainly weighted to win, being 3kg better off than any other horse according to official merit ratings. Silvan Star has always struck as one with class and has not had much luck in her career. However, being by Silvano she will be as good as ever as a five-year-old and will make her presence felt over a suitable trip from pole position.
Nother Russia (JC Photographics)
Secret Star has speed and a fine turn of foot and will also be a threat. The last time she met Nother Russia over this trip was also in a Pinnacle event at level weights and she finished just 0,7 lengths behind her. Gimme Six finished just behind Sylvan Star in the Grade 1 Majorca Stakes when running on well from a high draw and should be right there with Strydom up. Kilauea has a tough task at the weights but has done well against the boys twice over this trip recently so can’t be written off with Lerena up, although a wide draw doesn’t help her cause.
The best bet on a tricky card could be Nightwatchman in the eighth over 2000m. He won his maiden over 1600m in workmanlike fashion and will relish this step up in trip. He is drawn well and Gunther Wrogemann will know him well by now. He doesn’t face a strong field, although Yer-Maan, winner of the Grade 1 Castle Tankard three years ago, has proved recently he has dropped to a competitive merit rating and he and the disappointing Inn A Million could be the main dangers.
The value bet could be Cape Infanta in the sixth race over 1600m. She has ability and usually goes close if things go her way. They should go her way here as she has a good draw and with the like of Shelly in the line up there should be some pace. She can then run on in the final stages. The consistent Flowing Gown will be a danger. The last time they met Flowing Gown beat Cape Infanta by three lengths over 1600m, but she is now 5kg worse off, so there is not much in it on paper. Fish River Canyon should also bounce back from a poor run as she is reunited with Lyle Hewitson. She is drawn well and her last win was at this course over 1500m.
The Tin Man in race five has plenty of ability but unfortunately has breathing issues. Over this 1200m trip he can get away with and has a plum draw with Gavin Lerena is up.
Lerena could also win the second race over 1450m on Leslies Pathtofame as she has faced some fair types over this sort of trip without being disgraced and now faces an uninspiring field. She has some pace too and from pole position should be able to dictate.
The last leg of the Pick 6 is a tricky fillies and mares handicap over 2000m, but Lyle Hewitson is an interesting booking for A P Chanel, whose last win was over this trip and she is now effectively one point lower in the merit ratings and well drawn.
By David Thiselton
