The Turffontein Inside track stages a low key nine race meeting tomorrow and there look to be one or two opportunities for punters.
In the first race over 1200m the most interesting runner is the first-timer three-year-old Elusive Fort colt, Monopolize, who is a half-brother to his Paul Peter-trained stablemate Maximizer. The latter is an imposing, front-running sort whose six wins, including a Listed race, range from 1400m to 1600m. Monopolize is described by Peter as a decent sort and he faces an uninspiring field so looks the one to side with. Sean Tarry’s first-timers can never be ignored and he introduces a colt by Pomodoro, who is proving to be an exciting sire. This colt is called Riga D’Ora and although costing only R60,000 he is out of a four-time winning Doowlay mare who is a half-sister to a stakes winner, so he could well be in the mix. The best of those to have run could be the improving Hartleyfour.
Gold Dawn (JC Photographics)
In the second race over 1200m Pink made a fair debut over this trip at the Vaal and horses from the Lucky Houdalakis yard invariably come on slowly but surely. Furthermore, she is drawn in pole and looks to have some pace. Fly Thought is an interesting first-timer and although she will need a lot further she could have the class to compete. She is by Philanthropist out of Grade 1 Paddock Stakes winner Badger’s Gift and she is a half-sister to two stakes-winning stayers.
In the third over 1600m Vega Vox is by the hitherto disappointing sire Noble Tune. However, the latter’s progeny should improve with age and over further so as she did well last time over 1400m she can improve again from a good draw over 1600m. The form of her last third place has been franked and she does not face an inspiring field. She looks hard to beat. Early Bird will relish the step up in trip as one who has a rangy action who plugged on debut. However, her wide draw makes it tough.
In the next race over 1600m Indy Ice looks a fair sort and was a touch unlucky last time over this. He will be hard to beat from a good draw, although Perfect Pursuit, who is a full brother to the SA Fillies Nursery winner King’s Temptress, has a nice action and could pose a threat over a step up in trip which might suit.
In the fifth, a handicap over 1600m, Gold Dawn is hard to beat on the form of her last race when close up in an Assessment Plate where she was way under sufferance. This Await The Dawn filly has always struck as one who would be progressive and she is now fulfilling that promise as a four-year-old.
In the sixth race over 1800m Skiminac came back from a layoff strengthened and improved and can follow up on that easy maiden win. However, Endofmarch has to be respected as one with decent form in the strongest centre of Cape Town. Aranjeuz is coming into his own and could also be involved.
In the seventh over 1450m Orapa once looked a promising sort in the making and he has his third run after a layoff over a step down in trip which will suit and off a mere 70 merit rating which is now attractive. This good looking Tiger Ridge gelding is made the value bet of the day. Rocky Night looks a fair sort and is the danger despite being a young three-year-old who has to run off a tough 85 merit rating. Melchizidek could represent good place value as a scopey sort who over raced last time after being slow away and rushed. This time he is well drawn and if he settles with cover he can earn.
The eighth is a tough race and punters should go as wide as possible.
The ninth sees the improved Mademoiselle going for a course and distance hattrick off just a two point higher mark than her last win. Her wide draw should not be a concern as she jumped from similar draws in her last two wins. Hear The Trumpet improved in third time blinkers to win her maiden well and from a plum draw could be thereabouts again.
By David Thiselton
