The Turffontein Standside nine race meeting tomorrow features the Listed Swallow Stakes over 1160m and the Mike de Kock yard might notch up another feature win.
Their Australian-bred Bernadini filly Firdoas has a lot of natural speed as she proved when winning a juvenile plate over this course and distance by 6,60 lengths last May. In her last two starts over 1400m she hasn’t seemed to get home and it is not surprising to see her down in trip. The Grade 1 Allan Robertson winner Mighty High has to give at least 5kg to the rest of the field but is up to it. Last time over this trip she was unable to catch them on fast ground which blunted her fine turn of foot. The rains have come recently and this should see her strong finish being more effective.
Cordillera showed her class in the Listed Secretariat Stakes over 1400m and although appearing to be the Tarry yard second string the race could be run to suit her as she should be able to sit behind the speedy All At Once who is drawn one outside of her. She can then use her fine turn foot to good effect in the closing stages. Her stablemate Three Stars ran a cracker last time against the useful older sprinter Winter Watch and she has Hewitson aboard. All At Once is the best weighted horse according to official merit ratings but will have a tougher task staying in front this time in likely slower ground than she had last time. Blonde Vision has pace and is another one in with a shout. Mazari would prefer further but has class and should be staying on.
The best bet of the day comes in race two over 1160m. Tintagel had some good form up to 1250m in Cape Town and made a fine Highveld debut over this course and distance a month ago, she has a standside draw which is usually favourable and will take some beating.
The first leg of the PA over 1600m should see the hard knocking Pomodoro filly Gold Lightning winning over a step up in trip she should manage. Noble Princess has ability but has been disappointing. However, she should be able to place in this field and can be included in the PA,
In the first leg of the Pick 6 Tamarina is improving and has a plum draw over a step up in trip she should relish. High Seas Beauty stormed home last time over 1400m and should also now see out this trip. Desert Rhythm is drawn in pole and should make her presence felt as she was not striding out last time so is better than that and has done well over this course and distance twice.
In the first leg of the Jackpot Approach Control looks a promising sort and has the pole position draw over a suitable 1600m trip. SA Derby winner Hero’s Honour is effective over this trip and is the best in at the weights so can do well under Dennis Schwarz, who would have learnt something from riding him last time. Zilzaal won well last time and should be staying on again.
In the sixth race D’Arrivee is a progressive sort with a touch of class and is the one to beat. He does have a tricky draw but will enjoy the long straight and is a banker consideration. Kings Archer is drawn well and will appreciate the step down to his optimum trip. Dhabyaan has proved himself suited to this course and distance in his last two starts and has a fair draw with a nice galloping weight.
In the eight race over 1000m Wrecking Ball could provide the value bet of the day. She has a lot of natural speed but tended to not get home when being close to the pace and her recent hold up tactics have been seeing her run in strongly. She is drawn one outside of the speedy kissable so will have someone to follow until late in the race.
In the last race Princess Lomita made a fine debut and with expected improvement should despatch this field, although she does have a tricky draw and Over The Limit can also be included as one who will appreciate the step up in trip.
By David Thiselton
