David Thiselton
The highest rated race at the Turffontein Inside meeting today is a Middle Stakes event over 1000m and the ultra quick Heath House might make it a fifth win in six starts.
He is favourably weighted here because his 114 merit rating means he has a nett merit rating of 97 and that puts him on top of the 94 to 97 merit-rating band carrying 58kg. He was raised eight points for winning a handicap over 1000m at the Vaal last time by 2,20 lengths, but being at the top of the band makes the raise less severe. He proved in that last race he is not just cheap speed, because when the challengers came he found extra. He jumps from draw six and that should not pose a problem for Kyle Strydom, because considering the Erupt gelding’s gatespeed and early pace he should be able to get to the front. Ponlano will be dangerous from draw two as he is perfectly suited to the 1000m trip and should kick on from a handy position. Umzngeli Wenyathi is a progressive sort who will also have a say from a good draw of four under Gavin Lerena.
In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1600m Nicci’s Law brings some decent Cape Town form and has a strong finish, so can be dropped out from a wide draw and mow a small field down. Feast Of Berries is beautifully bred being by Vercingetorix out of the Gr 1 Garden Province Stakes winner Redberry Lane (Western Winter) and she can possibly make amends for a 36/1000 defeat last time when caught wide without cover from a wide draw and then having to try and catch a horse who stole a march. She was making some inroads whilst still looking immature. Her draw of five out of eight is tricky again, so Nicci’s Law is preferred.
In the fifth over 2000m Itsnowornever is knocking on the door and from a plum draw over a suitable trip can beat Instant Attraction and Apostrophe.
In the sixth over 2000m Robert Browning has a fine chance and can beat the progressive Boundless Love and the talented Kudzu, who will need some luck from a wide draw.
In the eighth over 1200m The Bronx Bull has some class and could show how good he is by winning off a 96 merit rating with a pole position draw aiding his cause. Antonio Gaudi should be right there from a plum draw and Turbo Power is an interesting runner as he has come down in the merit ratings and is now on the same mark as his last win and is drawn well.
In the ninth over 1450m Winding Power has a reasonable merit rating after an easy maiden win and from a nice draw can go close. Hats Mambo is in good form and should go close from a good draw over an ideal trip. Legendary is talented and can run on after being dropped out from a wide draw.
In the third race over 1600m the well bred Cover Charge (Erik The Red), a half-brother to dual Gr 1 winner Surcharge, is on the up and can win it from pole position.
In the second over 1600m Trojan Horse looks promising and has a weight and draw advantage over What A Warrior, who is well regarded and should be right there.
In the first race over 1600m Winter Voice won nicely last time out and she looks suited to this course and distance. Moana is promising and should be right there from a good draw, despite having to give Winter Voice 2kg.
