Triple Crown hero Louis The King’s eyecatching preparation run in the Peermont Emperor’s Palace Charity Mile was his seasonal reappearance and he has “come along nicely since then.” He will love the expected soft going.

Rake’s Chestnut proved he enjoys this trip when a narrow second to Equus Horse Of The Year Legislate in the Gr 1 Daily News 2000 and on that run he is well handicapped. He should handle soft going and although he lost his jockey at the start last time out in the Charity Mile he would have at least had a good blow out.

Disco Al has caught the eye as one that should love the course and distance and from pole position draw could be good place value. Judicial looks fair value considering his good win in the Gr 2 Victory Moon in testing conditions over 1800m on his reappearance. He is now 6 points higher in the merit ratings but has come into his own and can’t be ignored. Bold Inspiration is a big, long-striding sort who should love the Turffontein Standside track and it is easy to imagine him running on gamely throughout the straight, although travelling to altitude for a race this far is never easy.

Bouclette Top and As You Like are well handicapped with Louis The King on Triple Crown form but that didn’t help them much in the Charity Mile. However, Bouclette Top is having his third run after a rest and gelding. The yard make him a big runner over a trip he should enjoy. As You Like, who does have his niggles, was having his first run after a rest and gelding then and has been working “beautifully” so could well be a bigger threat this time.

Lockheed Jetstar plugged on gamely in the Charity mile and faces Louis The King on the same terms for a 0,5 length beating. He should get it on pedigree and Richard Fourie in the saddle from a good draw are two bonuses. Killua Castle looks a touch high in the handicap and appears to prefer fast ground.

Bezanova has grown into his big frame and is having his third run after a rest over a suitable trip, so could be a factor from a good draw despite a three point raise for his Charity Mile win.

Earl Of Derby ran a fine second in testing going in the Gr 2 Victory Moon Stakes over 1800m, so will love the going and could run into the money, although from a wide draw he will likely have to make up a lot of ground.

Jet Belle is full of class and has won a Gr 2 over 2000m, but a wide draw and soft ground over this trip could be a concern. Athina is also widely drawn and full of class but the trip in soft conditions creates a question mark. Glorious Jet ran fair races in the Charity Mile and Victory Moon but now has a very wide draw.

Wavin’ Flag would prefer further but will love a true stamina test so might fare well in soft conditions on this tough track. Sovereign Mint has improved and runs on well over shorter so could get the trip but he has a very wide draw.  Everest is a handy type and will likely find it tough to keep this field at bay. Enchanted Silk will love soft ground but has a tough task at the weights.

The selection is Louis The King from Rake’s Chestnut, Judicial, Disco Al, Bold Inspiration and Bouclette Top.

Champion colt Harry’s Son has a fine racing temperament and is improving all the time so will be hard to beat in the Gr 2 Investec Dingaans over 1600m. Jayyed was running on late over 1400m in the Graham Beck so will prefer this trip, but is now 4,5kg worse off with Harry’s Son. The filly Siren’s Call’s formlines are very strong. Front Rank proved his liking for testing conditions last time over course and distance and is well drawn. Pioneer Spirit was staying on well in the Ready To Run Cup and being by Go Deputy will be improving all the time. They are tipped in the order of mention.

Smart Call has very strong form and could be the one to beat in the Gr 3 Fillies Mile from a good draw. Kileigh has a wide draw but is well regarded and could be the day’s best place bet. Ataab is an improving sort and could be next best from Zrinski and Banbury.

For The Lads has relished returning to sprints and is well handicapped in the Gr 3 Magnolia where she is tipped to beat Pej, who will love soft ground, Goldie Coast, Tzigane and African Dream.

Flyfirstclass should love the Turffontein straight and is tipped to win the Merchants from Kingston Boy, Normanz, Vulcan and Showmetheway.

Carry On Alice is ultra classy and should win the Gr 2 Ipi Tombe over 1600m, despite her reappearance having been a bit close. Mohave Princess is underrated and improving and gets a fair draw for a change so is tipped as the danger. Pine Princess, Silver Class and Arcetri Pink could be next best.

Shimmering Gem impressed from the front last time and can follow up in the Gr 3 RA Handicap from Baracah, Savage Wind, Sky Rise and Henry Higgins.

Picture: Louis The King and Rake’s Chestnut (Nkosi Hlophe)