David Thiselton
The highest rated race at Turffontein Standside on Saturday is a MR96 Handicap over 2400m and it could be fought out by Corrupt and Bellerephon.
Corrupt has 4,70 lengths to make up on Bellerephon from their last meeting over this trip at the Vaal, but he now has his third run after a layoff and is now 3kg better off. He does have a tricky draw of five out of eight but can be dropped out in this small field as he is capable of a strong, resolute finish down the long Turffontein Standside straight.
Bellerephon ran on well last time when drawn widest of all in a seven horse field over course and distance. He didn’t have the best luck in running and can do better, so would not be a surprise winner.
One More Star is by One World and is a half-brother to Triple Crown winner Malmoos so will stay the trip and he has the advantage of Mickaelle Michel’s 1,5kg gender claim, although he does have to overcome draw eight of eight.
Those three make most appeal.
In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1160m Highwayman Harry has been knocking on the door and is the one to beat. Berry Lance is on the up and could be the main threat.
In the sixth race over 1400m Tracksuit Dave is in good form and from a good draw over a suitable trip should go close. Trombolines will enjoy the step up in trip but does have to overcome a wide draw. Quevano should be in the shake up if able to overcome a wide draw.
In the seventh over 1160m Precocious has good form and should be right there. Blizzard Snow ran a cracker last time and with a repeat will be a threat. A Bit Of Class has some class so is interesting put back over a sprint and should be running on.
In the eighth over 1160m Dad’s Dream will enjoy the drop back in trip and should go close. Play With The Wind has disappointed in her last two starts but with second time blinkers on she could bounce back. Cold Shine goes for a hattrick and off a three point higher mark could be in the shake up again.
In the ninth over 1160m Kia Kaha bounced back with a good win last time with first time cheekpieces and that might have done the trick as she has always struck as one with plenty of ability. She can follow up off a merit rating she can rise above. Pointer ran a cracker last time and with the draw bias not really noticeable down the straight anymore can go close from a low draw.
In the third race over 1160m Rendezvous In Rio is knocking hard and is the one to beat.
In the second over 1160m Perfect Sky should be right there.
In the first race the horse to beat is Gimme Some Luck who is unbeaten in two starts, including a Sales Cup, and looks to be a decent sort. Fierceness looks a decent sort too and should be right there and Catfish has a chance if he takes his place having run two days earlier.
