The Turffontein Inside track stages a nine race meeting on Saturday and it is tricky so the exotics look the way to go.
In the first leg of the PA over 1450m the Philanthropist filly Vivir looks to be a promising three-year-old in the making and in her first handicap off a 95 merit rating she has the advantage of 2,5kg claimer Luke Ferraris up. She has a tricky draw which is a concern as she raced quite strongly until another horse had slotted in front of her last time. On the other hand Ferraris might be happy to allow her to stride out in front as her last race was on the Standside track whereas this tighter track can play into the hands of front runners. Gimme Hope Johanna is a progressive sort who likes to be handy as she has a resolute finish and she can go close off just a three point higher mark than her win over this trip last time.
Whosethebossnow (JC Photographics)
In the first leg of the Pick 6, an Assessment Plate over 2000m, Forest Express is the obvious horse as he is best in at the weights on official merit ratings and went close in a handicap and a Graduation Plate over this trip in May and July respectively. He might need it having likely come off his AHS vaccinations and is the sort who would prefer the Standside track as he likes to build a finish from off the pace. Therefore, the second best weighted horse, Royal Utopia, and Master Of Magic, who will relish the step up in trip, can be included. Two outsiders who can be considered are Big Parade, who ran some good races in Cape Town and now has his third run after gelding, and Wheel Of Time, who is drawn in pole and could be better than his form suggests.
The first leg of the Jackpot over 2000m is an uninspiring race and the promising sort The Rising Legend could be the one to side with despite not having run for 83 days. He is capable of a strong finish from off the pace and could rise above his 84 merit rating this season. Come The Day is 1,5kg under sufferance but this resolute galloper is progressive and should appreciate the step up in trip. Secret Captain has the class to carry topweight and at this stage of his career should get the trip, although he is a quirky sort who is difficult to predict.
In the sixth race over 1600m Elegancia is taken as the value bet on a tricky card. Last time the trip rather than the handicapper likely got her as the jockey couldn’t hold her in last and decided to rush her around horses coming around the final bend at the Vaal. She not surprisingly faded late in the long straight and should relish the step back to a mile.
The seventh race over 1200m is one of the trickiest races of the exotics. Brave Zndaya is the pick due to his recent liking of front-running tactics and a nice draw over an ideal course and distance. Kissmeinmydreams is an improved sort who could also go close, but going as wide as possible is the suggestion.
The eighth over 1450m is an Assessment Plate where Rings And Things is chosen as the day’s best bet despite being considerably under sufferance on official merit ratings. Her third place finish in the CTS 1600 was a performance way above her current 89 merit rating and she will probably be fitter than the other lively contenders Rose In Bloom and Ghaalla having had a recent run.
The last race over 1450m is the trickiest on the card as many are returning from layoffs. Whosethebosnow has had two grass gallops and could be the one to side with from pole position but the suggestion is to go as wide as possible.
By David Thiselton
