Punters can look forward to another weekend full of racing and there look to be some fair opportunities at the Greyville, Turffontein and Scottsville meetings.

The first opportunity arises at the start of tonight’s Quickfire Twenty/20 meeting. In race 1 the improving filly by Ideal World, Grand Jury, proved she loves this 2000m trip on the turf last time when cruising in behind a wall of horses and having nowhere to go. She could well have won that race and could make amends here.

In race 2 the Overlord filly Overly Impressed defies her cheap purchase price looks-wise and would have come on from her run last Friday as she had an interrupted preparation into that race. She will also appreciate he step up in trip to 1600m. However, Ruby Gem coming from the stronger centre of Cape Town could be a big threat as she did have one or two good runs down there.

In race 3 over 1600m Velvet Wind was hampered at a crucial stage over this trip on the turf last time and was staying on well all the way to the line, so looks the one to side with.  Vogue Idea quickened well when winning last time over course and distance and could possibly handle a four point raise, while Lady Of Kildare will attempt to make it four out of four on the Greyville poly, although the handicapper is catching up with her.

The fourth over 1600m is a weak race and provides an opportunity for a horse who loves the course and distance, Royal Champion. Nuntius is the likely favourite and could still improve. An interesting runner as far as each/way value is concerned could be Ocean’s Crossing because on pedigree he will love the return to the poly.

Race 5 over 2000m looks a potential stumbling block as it is very open unless Canigao can continue upon his progressive ways. An interesting each/way chance here could be Bez-Art as this big horse has caught the eye on occasion and has finally landed a good draw.

Race 6 over 1200m is not an easy heat either at first glance, but a horse who makes plenty of appeal if Roy’s Folly. She was fancied by the yard over 1400m last time but appeared to over race when going to the front so will enjoy the step back down in trip. It all depends on whether she can overcome her tricky draw of eight.

Race 7 over 1000m is also a typically difficult sprint handicap, although Burrwood is course and distance suited and has handled wide draws like this before. All True Man is better than his last two runs and could be the main danger. Hot Chilli looks a fair type and could do well first time out the maidens and Out MY Way and Stampede can also be considered.

Race 8 over 1400m sees an interesting runner in Battle Of Seattle, who runs off a merit rating no fewer than 31 points lower than his sand merit rating. Some say the two surfaces are completely different, but evidence of horses who have raided Greyville off good handicap marks compared to their sand ratings would not back that claim up because they invariably win or go close. Pyrenees In Spain would otherwise look quite a good bet here because he loves the course and distance and is off an attractive merit rating. Son Of Orimandes is a type who can suddenly pop up and, for an in form yard off the same merit rating as his last win, the time looks ripe for him to appear on the stage late in the race as he has been known to do.

Race 9 over 1000m is full of pace and might pan out well for the consistent closer Quintella, whose last two wins have been over course and distance.

At Turffontein on Saturday Tobesuretobesure makes plenty of appeal in race one over 2000m from pole position for under-estimated trainer Heather Adamson. She lost her jockey in her penultimate start and a mathematician might be needed to work out her performance because she appeared to win riderless by about 100 metres. Last time out she ran way above her rating over the too sharp 1600m so has a fine chance back in a handicap over a suitable trip.

Some good horses appear at Scottsville on Sunday. Way Of Light was running on in the Listed Michael Roberts Handicap over 1800m last time out so should enjoy the course and distance of the Non-Black Type UmThombothi Stakes over 2000m, although Great Rumpus and Serissa should also go close.

Miss Varlicious is on the up and is officially well weighted in race 4 although African Dream will be a threat if her starting antics don’t bother her and she bounces back to her best.

In the Fever Tree Handicap over 1400m Master James has always been held in good regard and a step down in trip could well be what is required. However, the last time he tried 1400m he ruined his chances at the start, so is worth supporting again.

By David Thiselton