Deerupt to be tested

PUBLISHED: 10 August 2018

Lucky Houdalakis (Nkosi Hlophe)

Turffontein Standside stages a low key meeting tomorrow although there are some useful horses taking part.

The Pick 6 banker looks to be Deerupt in the sixth race, a Maiden for three-year-old fillies over 1450m. This Australian-bred filly by Snitzel ran on well from the back in the Devon Air Stakes over 1400m at Greyville last time and was just 2,75 lengths behind the well regarded Firdoas and two lengths behind Mazari, who went on to finish second in the Grade 2 Golden Slipper. Huddle could get close to Deerupt on a line through On The Double, but she disappointed last time and Deerupt looks to be more progressive. The one the risk averse could include is Choir Singer, as she looks to have scope and the Lucky Houdalakis yard bring them on slowly but surely.

Lucky Houdalakis (Nkosi Hlophe)

Lucky Houdalakis

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1160m the well-bred first-timer In The Dance is the selection. This Gimmethegreenlight filly would not have to be as good as her half-brother Capetown Noir to beat this field. Rock A Roll Dancer looks to be the best of those to have run as the form of her second to Nafaayes over 1000m was franked when the latter won next time out. Miss Pinkerton will improve on her fair debut and now has the valuable 2,5kg claim of Luke Ferraris to help her cause. Rock Sensation has the form to be in with a shout and Chouette and Greener Pastures make most appeal of the other first-timers.

The first leg of the Jackpot is the highest class race of the day, a Pinnacle Stakes event over 1160m. The last time Africa Rising returned from a layoff he mowed down a good field over 1200m at the Vaal carrying 61kg and he now carries 60kg minus the 2,5kg claim of Ferraris. Mardi Gras returns from a layoff and gelding but this talented sort will also be finishing strongly and is a horse to follow this season. Arabian Beat must be included as he will be fit from his run on July 1 and can hardly be separated from Mardi Gras on their last meeting. Those three are selected to get punters through the exotics although the risk averse should consider including the whole field.

Race seven should be fought out by Chipofftheoldblok, Vartanium and Make Your Move. The joker in the pack is Maroon Bells and Indy Ice makes most appeal of the first-timers.

In race eight over 1600m Satin Slipper wasn’t given a hard time on debut over this course and distance and should come on a lot from the run so is a banker consideration with Ferraris up. Abelie is the form danger and Irish Wonder Girl is the one who can surprise as she will relish this step up in trip. Awayinthewoods, Oona and A Little Luck warrant consideration too.

The last race over 1600 should be fought out by Roll Of Drums, Fort Carol and Stars and Bars, who will all be improving.

By David Thiselton