The Turffontein Standside meeting on Saturday features the Grade 2 Senor Santa Stakes over 1160m where Cirillo will be hard to beat as long as the low draws do not prove unfavourable on the day. 

Cirillo is the highest earning thoroughbred in the country this season having won two expensive sales races down in Cape Town, including the CTS 1200 last time. He showed good speed there and then drew away in the manner of a top class sprinter.

He is only 1kg out at the weights with the best weighted male Bull Valley, but the latter is returning from a layoff of more than a year.

However, the low draws can sometimes be disadvantageous down the Turffontein straight, so the earlier races must be monitored for any draw bias.

Mardi Gras has not had the opportunity to rise above his current 100 merit rating, which he potentially looks to be better than. So being officially 4kg under sufferance with Bull Valley can’t be taken on face value. Furthermore, this progressive sprinter has a nice high draw. Prince Of Kahal has speed and some class. He should be running on as usual but his low draw might be a concern.

Green Plains has trained on and is consistent. She is the best weighted horse in the race according to official merit ratings. It is never easy against the boys but she has a nice high draw.

Romi’s Boy is a talented sprinter who ran a fine race last time after a five month layoff. He should be able to run well fresh again.

Trip To Heaven will be left alone as he is better when coming from way off the pace. He is drawn on the right side and if producing his best will be right there.

Bull Valley has a lot of class and has run well fresh before so could be a threat from a high draw.

Billy Silver has class and has run two good races on the Highveld so is capable of surprising from a nice high draw.

Red Chesnut Road was highly regarded early in his career and has found consistency lately from sprints up to a mile.

Down To Zero won a good race last time but the extra 160m might stretch him. They are selected in the order mentioned.

The Listed Drum Star Handicap over 1800m provides another opportunity for the quirky Pietro Mascagni. He is full of class but appears to shirk the issue when challenging for the lead. He is well drawn over an ideal trip and a tongue tie has now been fitted.

Cash Time is in good form but has a tricky draw considering first time blinkers are on.

The Dazzler is on the up and Dawn Assault and Hero’s Honour have earned their big weights.

The second race is an interesting Conditions Plate and although Redberry Lane would prefer further than this 1400m trip, she will be a threat from pole position as she is an effective front runner and is well in at the weights with all except Fresnaye, who might need her first run on the Highveld and would prefer further.

Celtic Sea is perfectly distance suited and there won’t be much between her and her stable companion Redberry Lane here.

By David Thiselton