The Vaal eight race meeting looks to be a good one for the exotics with most of the races having one or two stand out horses.
The first leg of the PA is the highest rated race on the card, a MR 92 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1800m, and only five horses will go to post. Jet Start is a promising sort who won two starts over this trip last season easily. She needed her last start and is drawn in pole which is always an advantage in a small field. Fort Ember has proven class and the small field will suit her as she lacks early pace and always risks being caught wide.She has a 4kg claimer to help her cause but on the downside she has not had an easy campaign lately, having had a very tough race in the G-Bets Summer Cup and then travelling down to Durban to run a close up third in the
Flamboyant Stakes. Those two should be enough for the PA and Bipot, although Cold Cash is in good form, Guns And Roses is talented and had her third run after a layoff and Insignis is proving competitive off her current mark.
In the first leg of the Pick 6 Flapjack has good form over this trip, including a close second to Owlinthetree, who went on to place in a Listed race over this trip on Sunday. Fort Carol is consistent and will give her something to think about over a trip she should enjoy. The Honey Badger was beaten only 1,25 lengths by Flapjack in his penultimate start over 2000m when well drawn and he is now drawn in pole over a step down in trip which he won’t mind. He does tend to get a bit hot, so if able to relax he could spring a surprise and is made the value each/way bet of the day.
In the first leg of the Jackpot over 1800m Midnight In Paris was stepped up from 1000m to 2000m second time out and ran a fine second. It usually takes a horse a run or two to get used to the turn and the step up in trip so she should come on a lot from that race. However, she does have a tough draw to overcome. Ever Fair ran well over this trip last time from a similarly wide draw. Lyle Hewitson stays aboard which is significant. Magic’s First ran a cracker when setting the pace over 2000m last time and from a good draw here should be in the mix with Strydom aboard.
In the fifth race over 2400m Wonderous Climber is chosen as the best bet on the card despite being 3,5 kg under sufferance with Sunshine Silk.He has improved continuously since being sent over staying trips and can do so again from a good draw. He won last time with a bit in hand and looks to be potentially better than his 75 merit rating. Sunshine Silk is drawn in pole and is suited to this trip, but it is never easy against the boys. Come The Day was entered for the Summer Cup so is well regarded and is a galloping sort who should enjoy this trip, so he also has a chance and can be included in the Pick 6 and Jackpot.
In the next race over 2400m Earth Sky is also a progressive stayer and can make it three wins in his last four starts. However, Highlander is also in fine form and should be running on strongly as usual from his good draw. If Earth Sky has a chance then Tapanzee has to be given a shout on the weight turnaround, especially from pole position as he is a quirky sort who needs things to go his way.
In the seventh race over 1000m Dancing Queen has own her last two starts over this distance with consummate ease and looks to be going places,However, Ilha Da Varlette also impressed last time and will give some cheek despite being 2,5kg under sufferance with the first choice. Casual Wear also has ability and with cheek pieces on could surprise so can be included in the Jackpot and Pick 6.
In the last race over 1000m Elbi has dropped to a competitive mark and is the selection to win over a suitable trip despite having to carry topweight. I Aint Trippin, will also go close here as she is an improving sort. Ilha Da Var is knocking hard and recent maiden winners Queen Rachel and Ocean City both have good pace and run off reasonable merit ratings so must all be included.
By David Thiselton
