The Turffontein Inside track stages a nine race meeting tomorrow and the exotics look to be the best way to play it on a track which can produce the odd upset.
The seventh race, a Pinnacle Stakes event over 1200m, is the highest rated race on the card and Green Plains is the one to beat. She is the best in at the weights according to official merit ratings and is unbeaten in two starts on the Turffontein Inside track. Both of them were over 1000m but she has shown good pace and the ability to kick on over 1160m so has it all in her favour here from pole position around the turn. Rock A Roll Dancer beat a useful field last time in good style and there is not much between her and Schippers on some formlines so she can do well from a fair draw.
Witch Of The West has always struck as one with class and she should have come on from her last run, which was her seasonal reappearance, so she is the dark horse from a plum draw over a suitable trip. Schippers has come into her own this season and has won three out of four starts including one over this course and distance. Last time out she won the Grade 3 Magnolia Handicap over 1160m by four lengths. However, the form has not worked out exceptionally well and she was given a nine point raise, so she is up against it, although she is joint second best in at the weights. Desert Rhythm won the Grade 2 Golden Slipper as a two-year-old but is an enigmatic sort, although her best recent run was over this trip so she is difficult to ignore.
In the first leg of the PA Glamorous Scandal went close last time over this 2600m trip and is the one to beat. Bondiblu has fallen to a competitive merit rating and Emily Hobhouse, despite being 5,5kg under sufferance, is coming into her own in the typical fashion of a daughter of Ideal World.
In the first leg of the Pick 6 Aurelia Cotta enjoys running on from behind and so the draw will not be a bother and on pedigree she has a chance of staying the trip. Rail Trip has niot lived up to expectations but has to be included. Miss Sabina, by Silvano and a half-brother to the twice Summer Cup winner Master Sabina, is going the right way.
In the first leg of the Jackpot Mighty Rock went close when stepped up to this 2000m last time. Blame Game is by Captain Al and is a half-brother to Whiteline Fever who finished close up in the Vodacom Durban July once so he can improve over this trip. Humour Me should relish this step up in trip and has a chance if bouncing back after not striding out last time.
In the sixth race over 2000m Arlington’s Revenge’s last two wins over 1600m have worked out very well and he should stay the trip on pedigree. Zeal And Zest has always had ability and bounced back with a good win last time. Yamoto can improve being by Dynasty and having his third run after a layoff and gelding and he was staying on over 1600m last time. There is not much between Zeal Zest, Seventh Of June and Kings Cup.
In the eighth over 1500m Epic Dream is 1kg under sufferance with Orpheus on official merit ratings but has a touch of class and has always struck as one who would get this trip. Only To Win is on the up and is a threat and Orpheus has talent but the concern is his breathing issues.
In the ninth over 1500m Xplosive Kiss is the best in at the weights and should enjoy this step up in trip on pedigree. Irish Wonder Girl is drawn in pole and is in good form, but would prefer further and Vi Va Pi Pa is capable of producing a good performance.
By David Thiselton
