The Vaal Classic track stages a low key eight race meeting tomorrow but there look to be some fair opportunities for punters.

Favourite backers should get off to a good start with Chief Of State who was green on debut when only just failing over this 1000m trip. The Toreador colt now represents the lethal combination of Paul Peter and Charles Ndlovu in this Workrider’s event. On formlines he has the chief danger Saint Michael well held. The latter ran second last week over this trip last week and could finish second again here. None of the other raced horses look to pose a threat.

In the second race over 1000m Cosmic Mist is the one with the most ability over this trip, but she costs herself with slow starts and last time was bumped coming out too which might not have done much for her confidence. She is now tried in blinkers and ear muffs. Captain’s Love ran on in eyecatching style last time over this trip in first time blinkers so has a good chance too. Without Limits was beaten two lengths by Captain’s Love last time and Mercer Girl was 0,6 lengths further back after a slow start and now runs in blinkers for the third time. Mega Lee’s first two runs were fair efforts when up with the pace and staying on but slow starts have cost her recently and she does not appear to be improving.  

In the third race over 2000m Spring Poetry has her third run after a layoff and went close in both of her comeback runs over 1400m and 1600m respectively. She has won over this trip before and has a plum draw. Azkur also has her third run after a layoff and has also won over the trip so should improve on her last two outings especially considering she has been dropped five points in the merit ratings. Waity Katie is a decent type and has dropped to a competitive merit rating. This is the first time she will be trying this trip but she was running on over 1700m in her penultimate start to the useful Chitengo and is drawn in pole so should get it.

In the fourth race over 1600m Wild Thoughts found a good position from a similarly tricky draw last time over this trip on Turffontein Standside and moved up well before being run out of it by a fair sort in Princess Lomitas. If she can repeat she is the one to beat. Sea Like Glass was effective from the front over this trip last time from a similarly wide draw and was only passed late. She was five lengths clear of Pigeon Post, who does however have scope for improvement. Pigeon Post is often backed and has obvious ability.

Last time in her first try at this trip the rider had difficulty settling her when dropping her in behind the field from a wide draw but she then ran on in eyecatching fashion, although she was too far back to be a threat. If she manages to find a handier position and settles she will go close. Julep was handy without cover last time over 1400m which did not suit her and she was also found to not be striding out. If finding cover from a tricky draw and coming from off the pace like she did when going close in her penultimate start over this trip then she has a chance. Ideal Cut was just behind Julep last time over 1400m and can improve over this step up in trip.

In the fifth race over 1600m Only To Win only just failed last time over 1450m when running on against some decent types. She is now drawn in pole off an attractive merit rating and over a trip she is proven over. Seville Orange won in commanding fashion in her last start over this trip from a similarly wide draw and looks to be coming into her own so should go close off just a three point higher mark. High Seas Beauty is capable of a strong finish from off the pace so will likely be dropped out from her high draw. She was staying on in her first try at this trip last time behind a fair sort.

In the sixth race over 2400m Master And Man dictated in a similarly small field over this trip in his penultimate start and only just failed to hold on. He followed with a fine effort over 1800m against some useful horses and is going to be hard to beat in this field. Hands Of Man and Africa’s Gold make most appeal of the rest.

In the seventh over 1450m Warrior’s Rest is a resolute front-running galloper who stretches fields and then continually turns it up a notch. However, he has to be in front, because he does not have the necessary turn of foot when sitting behind slower paces. The blinkers have now been fitted probably to help him get to the front as last time he was held up in second place. Monopolize enjoys this trip and will be a threat. The filly Greener Pastures is the best in at the weights on official merit ratings and is also distance suited. However, it is never easy against the boys and she has a wide draw to overcome.

In the last race over 1000m Elbi makes most appeal having performed above her merit rating last time over this trip when a close up second to the useful Casual Wear. Mademoiselle has become ultra consistent and is distance suited and there is not much between her Ulla and Nicky Noo so those three must also be included. Last Chirp is better than her recent form suggests and has dropped to a competitive merit rating so is an outsider to consider.

By David Thiselton