The return to the world class Turffontein Standside track starts with a low key meeting on Saturday ahead of the fireworks which begin next weekend.
A MR92 Handicap over 1800m is the highest rated race on the card and forms the first leg of the Pick 6. Silver God is a half-brother to the Grade 1-winning miler William Longsword and the speedy Grade 1 winner Real Princess but he is by Silvano and the way he runs suggests he will relish the step up in trip. He won over 1400m last time when staying on resolutely. He did have the advantage of the 1,5kg claim of Luke Ferraris to help him, but twice South African champion jockey S’Manga Khumalo replaces him. The Rising Legend has become well known for his turn of foot followed by a resolute finish. He usually sits in last place before delivering his challenge but last time on the tight Inside track he was ridden quite handy by his regular pilot Gavin Lerena.
Gavin Lerena
He still won after going for home quite early. He is well regarded by Geoff Woodruff and will relish the return to the Standside track where he can afford go sit further back. The draw of eleven will not pose a problem as he can be dropped out. Orpheus is 0,5kg better off with The Rising Legend for a half-a-length beating last time. He is a big, good looking sort and it will be no surprise to see him winning this race from a plum draw. The only concern is the breathing noises he is reported to make. Piere Strydom stays aboard which is a plus. Those three should be enough to get punters through the Pick 6.
The Pick 6 legs are tricky and the last leg over 1000m has been chosen as the one to go thin in. Gimme A Wave is made the best bet on the card but this is really due to it being a tricky card and one has to be found somewhere. It is not the norm for Alec Laird horses to win on debut as he brings them on slowly but this strongly built gelding by Gimmethegreenlight scooted home by 3,80 lengths on his debut over 1200m in a Maiden Juvenile Plate at the end of July. Raymond Danielson keeps the ride and they can get away with a 93 day layoff over this trip. Royal Cavalier is another imposing sort and is chosen as the only other one to include in the Pick 6. He finished just 2,15 lengths behind the SA Nursery winner William The Silent last time out and should now be cherry ripe. Dewali was bumped from a wide draw last time out over 1000m on the Inside track and ran out of steam late but he has looks to have the class to be involved here and holds the speedy Vardo on earlier form. Big Blue Marble is well regarded and will have plenty of supporters considering the way he won last time over this trip.
In the second leg of the Pick 6 over 1400m Bien Venue should be cherry ripe and is a potential banker from a plum draw over an ideal course and distance. However, Gunston went close last time over 1450m and could make a bold bid from a better draw over 50m shorter. Rivonia Boulevard, Iditarod Trail and How Does It Taste can also be included in the Pick 6.
In the sixth race Dame Kelly has class and is interesting stepped down to 1160m off a lowered merit rating which now looks attractive. Image Award has shown ability over the minimum trip and is the chief threat and Eleni, Celestina, La Bastide and An Air Of Success can also be included.
In the seventh race over 1160m Concealed Secret has dropped to an attractive mark and could win on his reappearance from the improved Autumn Rain. Snow In Seattle, Tudor Manor and Baahir can also be included.
The eighth race over 1160m can be fought out by Professor Brian, who should love the return to a straight course, and the progressive pair Copper Jay and Schippers.
The first leg of the PA over 1600m sees an outsider in Pilou being tipped as he just went too fast the last time he ran and now has a plum draw, the blinkers are off and he has been lowered three points in the merit ratings. Atyaab and Morning Catch can also be included.
By David Thiselton
