Turffontein has the first of its summer series of night races tomorrow evening and there are usually some good opportunities for punters on the fair Standside track.
In the first over 1400m Green Goddess finished well on debut from a wide draw over 1450m on the inside track and although she has another wide draw she looks likely to appreciate the more galloping Standside track. She is six months older than Christmas Carol and only has to give her 1kg. Christmas Carol stayed on well on debut over 1000m and will relish the step up on trip being a full-sister to Castle Tankard winner Winter’s Night. Zafira is by Silvano out of a Fort Wood mare but the full-brother has been disappointing.
Smart Call (Nkosi Hlophe)
In the second over 1400m Magical Moon led over 1600m last time before being run out of it and although he did not really give the impression that the step down to 1400m would be more suitable, his class could carry him through from a good draw being a half-brother to the like of Jackson, Jade Vine and Heartland. My Favourite Brown likely needed his last start when catching the eye staying on over 1000m on the Inside track from a wide draw and he should love the step up in trip. Koncealed, who is out of a half-sister to the champion Promisefrommyheart, was staying on over 1200m last time from a tough draw at the Vaal and could have done better considering he cast a shoe.
In the third over 2000m Penteliko should be improving all the time being by Go Deputy and his good draw will suit his handy style. He fought back bravely over 1950m at Scottsville last time and will be a tough nut to crack. Scare Tactics enjoyed this trip last time when running on from a wide draw and only just failed to get there in time, so looks likely to appreciate the Standside track’s long straight. Talbec by High Chaparal was not disgraced on debut over 1600m and gave the impression he would relish this trip and further. Piere Strydom has stayed aboard Thiel who made late progress over 1800m last time. Arabian Bay is a well exposed but consistent sort. Yours And Mine is distance suited and could earn.
In the fourth over 2000m the outcome could depend on how well Peg ‘O My Heart jumps because on visual analysis she has the ability to win this if breaking on terms for a change from pole position. Terepova has been knocking on the door over 1600m and could attempt to dictate with Delpech now up and, although he is not 100% sure to enjoy this trip on pedigree, trainer Weiho Marwing sure knows how to get them to stay. Fortissima stayed on well over 1800m last time and is drawn well with Fortune up. Laurel Cherry is likely to be staying on dourly but being a typically big daughter of Ideal World she is likely not enjoying the current hard ground. Rich And Dark disappointed last time but on best form will be a threat from a plum draw. Oblivion and Peggy Jay should be staying on too.
In the fifth over 2000m, American Magic has been competitive since his maiden win and over a suitable trip is drawn in pole with Piere Strydom up. Commodore Al is two points lower than his last turf start when not disgraced over this trip. Jubilee Line is well regarded and should be distance suited so could possibly defy a MR 84 merit rating in his first handicap. Africain has proved he is competitive off his current merit rating over this trip. Like A Boss has won twice in three starts over this trip and Lerena remains aboard off a five point higher merit rating for his last win. Ilitshe has won a Listed race over course and distance before but will have needed to have improved a lot from his last start which followed a break of more than a year. Delamere bounced back to form with a win over 1800m last time and is only two points higher but is widely drawn.
The sixth over 1400m the top class Smart Call is well weighted and the key to her, hold up tactics, has been found. She is returning from a layoff, but her yard is in fine form. Bichette is versatile and could be a threat. Kwinta has class and could be dangerous from pole position. Featherfoot is likely to be coming into her own being by Silvano. Drifting Dusk is interesting over this trip as one who always stays on well over sprints.
In the seventh over 1000m Silver Class proved suited to the step down in trip last time and looks hard to beat. Speedy Suzy is the danger and Miss December could earn.
In the eighth over 1160m Rough Justice looks to be off an attractive merit rating and is tipped to win. Will Pays has some class and will appreciate the step up in trip after winning over 1000m last time which earned him a four point raise. The progressive Thrust was staying on over1000m last time and is 1kg better off with Will Pays for a one length beating.
By David Thiselton
Picture: Smart Call (Nkosi Hlophe)
