HAPPY VALLEY SELECTIONS Wednesday 8 May 2024
PUBLISHED: May 6, 2024
Race 1: #1 My Intelligent, #10 Double Show, #6 Hero Star, #9 General Ace Race 2: #8 Lean Master, #1 Chateauneuf, #2 Ace One, #12 New Power Race 3: #12 Hang’s Choice, #3 Charming Steed, #7 Smart Beauty, #8 Asian One Race 4: #7 Wood On Fire, #10 Dan Attack, #11 Valhalla, #12 Multidarling Race 5: #6 Sea Sapphire, #8 Party Warrior, #9 Roaring […]
Race 1: #1 My Intelligent, #10 Double Show, #6 Hero Star, #9 General Ace
Race 2: #8 Lean Master, #1 Chateauneuf, #2 Ace One, #12 New Power
Race 3: #12 Hang’s Choice, #3 Charming Steed, #7 Smart Beauty, #8 Asian One
Race 4: #7 Wood On Fire, #10 Dan Attack, #11 Valhalla, #12 Multidarling
Race 5: #6 Sea Sapphire, #8 Party Warrior, #9 Roaring Bebe, #1 Righteous Arion
Race 6: #10 Kyrus Unicorn, #2 Serangoon, #7 Forever Glorious, #5 Storm Winner
Race 7: #1 Hameron, #2 Red Hare King, #10 Chain Of Gold, #4 Giddy Up
Race 8: #5 Sure Joyful, #6 Can’t Go Wong, #10 Atomic Beauty, #1 Sixth Generation
Race 9: #8 Super Joy N Fun, #2 Sports Legend, #4 Wings Of War, #6 Happy Fat Cat
Race 1: Cochrane Handicap
#1 My Intelligent is a massive chance in this grade. He was racing well in the class above and his best form holds him in good stead for this contest. He shapes as the one they all must beat. #10 Double Show has a favourable draw and is a winner already this season. He does his best racing over this course and distance. #6 Hero Star has been consistent all season without winning. He can improve in this grade. #9 General Ace is next in line, that is, if he manages to find his best.
Race 2: Wyndham Handicap (3rd Section)
#8 Lean Master has tremendous gate speed and he is capable of finding an early lead. He gets a favourable seven pounds taken of his back and this contest is well within his grasp. One to catch. #1 Chateauneuf won well on debut. He’s a nice horse, although he will have to overcome the wide gate this week. #2 Ace One is worth consideration. He’s lost his way a touch but is clearly much better than Class 5. Hugh Bowman’s booking is a decent push with regard to his chances. #12 New Power has been competitive of late.
Race 3: D’Aguilar Handicap
#12 Hang’s Choice needs plenty go his way, but the low impost and potential pace in this race brings him right into contention. He’s been racing well and gets his chance to win again this week. #3 Charming Steed is after back-to-back wins. He’s in the right vein of form and the inside gate is ideal for him to find a prominent position without using too much petrol. #7 Smart Beauty gets the services of Zac Purton. His latest effort was sound and he returns here as a two-time winner this season. #8 Asian One is next best.
Race 4: Wyndham Handicap (1st Section)
It wouldn’t surprise in the slightest to see #7 Wood On Fire bounce back. Expecting him to fire forward to try and lead here or sit prominent, especially from an inside gate with Karis Teetan up. He’s worth taking a chance on. #10 Dan Attack is in solid form and he continues to race well. He’s a winner this term and should be able to make his presence felt. #11 Valhalla rarely runs a bad race. He’s placed in all three of his most recent runs and this contest shouldn’t be an exception. #12 Multidarling is next best.
Race 5: The Sports Club Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cup Handicap (2nd Section)
#6 Sea Sapphire has led and won already this season. He’ll find the front again here and his catch me if you can tactics could easily be rewarded. #8 Party Warrior debuts for the new stable as a two-time winner under his previous handler. He’s always been a solid competitor. #9 Roaring Bebe caught the eye late last start, closing into sixth spot. Zac Purton is up and he gets his chance to improve this week. #1 Righteous Arion continues to perform. He does need to overcome an awkward draw.
Race 6: Glenealy Handicap
#10 Kyrus Unicorn has raced well all season. He could get a reward for consistency here, especially under the lighter weight from gate four. This shapes as a suitable contest for him. #2 Serangoon is in superb form. He has the barrier to contend with this week, although he doesn’t know how to put a foot wrong. #7 Forever Glorious can roll forward and give this group something to reel in. He tends to mix his form, although shapes as a leading player here. #5 Storm Winner is improving and can do so once more.
Race 7: Graham Handicap
#1 Hameron caught the eye late last start. He’s a nice horse and he does his best racing over this course and distance. Hugh Bowman’s booking is suitable once again. #2 Red Hare King is in career-best form and he’s already netted a pair of wins this campaign. He should receive a sweet run from the inside gate. #10 Chain Of Gold slots in light and is making steady improvement. Zac Purton hops up and he’s engaged to ride two pounds over his assigned impost. #4 Giddy Up is next in line.
Race 8: On Lan Handicap
#5 Sure Joyful has hardly put a foot wrong all season. He’s collected a pair of wins already and is most deserving of another, which could easily come here. He’ll roll forward and get his opportunity from there. #6 Can’t Go Wong is another who will take up a forward position. He’s in the mix. #10 Atomic Beauty has consistency on his side, as well as a favourable draw. #1 Sixth Generation has improved with the class-drop. Vincent Ho has won on him before and he takes the reins again this week.
Race 9: Shelley Handicap
#8 Super Joy N Fun is unbeaten across two starts in Hong Kong. He’s a serious talent and is capable of adding a third here, especially with gate one on his side as well as the hands of Zac Purton. Hard to beat, even up in grade. #2 Sports Legend is seeking a hat-trick of wins. He’ll make his own luck by racing on the speed again. #4 Wings Of War just can’t quite crack it for a first win in Hong Kong, although he has shown that his day will come. #6 Happy Fat Cat will lead and give this group something to reel in.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club |
Vaal Classic Tuesday 7 May 2024 – Comments by David Thiselton
PUBLISHED: May 6, 2024
RACE 1 3 AMBITIOUS LADY 1 SACAMBAYA 2 POMO CLAPPER 6 SUMMER SHADE Preview: 3 AMBITIOUS LADY has some fair KZN form and from a fair draw can go close for a yard who often win first time out with decent sorts from other centres. 1 SACAMBAYA will be in the shake up if repeating […]
RACE 1
3 AMBITIOUS LADY 1 SACAMBAYA 2 POMO CLAPPER 6 SUMMER SHADE
Preview: 3 AMBITIOUS LADY has some fair KZN form and from a fair draw can go close for a yard who often win first time out with decent sorts from other centres. 1 SACAMBAYA will be in the shake up if repeating his last start at Scottsville. 2 POMO CLAPPER has a chance if repeating his penultimate start. 6 SUMMER SHADE was never far off in KZN and can improve on his Highveld debut. (3-1-2-6)
RACE 2
1 THERES A LIGHT 8 TOGETHER AGAIN 6 SOMEDAY MAYBE 5 THE NAVY LARK
Preview: 1 THERES A LIGHT has a fair draw and the last time he went over this trip he was far from disgraced in a 4,20 length second to the subsequent Gr 3 winner Mid Winter Wind. 8 TOGETHER AGAIN has run two fair places in her last two starts and carrying 52,5kg should be right there. 6 SOMEDAY MAYBE has good enough form to stand a chance carrying a total of just 54kg. 5 THE NAVY LARK is consistent and with just 54kg to carry could be in the shake up. (1-8-6-5)
RACE 3
3 IN A BLUE MOON 9 PERFORM 1 MAIN MISSION
Preview: 3 IN A BLUE MOON has been threatening a win and gets a good opportunity here. 9 PERFORM has a chance on form if able to overcome a tough draw. 1 MAIN MISSION disappointed last time and is capable of a lot better (3-9-1)
RACE 4
4 VIVA DE JANEIRO 5 IDEAL FUTURE 12 FULL GO 10 SUMMERLAND
Preview: 4 VIVA DE JANEIRO has a form chance here if putting his disappointing last run behind him. 5 IDEAL FUTURE is a long-striding sort capable of a strong resolute finish and should go close from a good draw. 12 FULL GO will be thereabouts of repeating his last run. 10 SUMMERLAND could earn if producing her best. (4-5-12-10)
RACE 5
3 SPARKLING JUBILEE 5 CAN’T CATCH ME 8 COUNT YOUR CHANCES 7 KITTYBOYS GIRL
Preview: 3 SPARKLING JUBILEE had good form before a layoff but should be fit enough coming from the De Kock yard. 5 CAN’T CATCH ME will enjoy the step down in trip and is well drawn. 8 COUNT YOUR CHANCES is in good form and has a chance over an ideal trip from a fair draw. 7 KITTYBOYS GIRL was not bothered by a wide draw last time and has a chance here. (3-5-8-7)
RACE 6
6 GIMME THE FLAME 2 PUTINS PROMISE 13 WRITTEN IN STONE 8 SOUTHERN STYLE
Preview: 6 GIMME THE FLAME won well the last time she ran over this course and distance and although seven points higher she now has a better draw. 2 PUTINS PROMISE is drawn in pole and has dropped to a competitive mark. 13 WRITTEN IN STONE retains talent despite his age and has a fair opportunity here. 8 SOUTHERN STYLE will enjoy this course and distance from a good draw. (6-2-13-8)
RACE 7
8 EMPRESS GAME 6 GOLDEN ASPEN 3 DAKOTA CAT 7 FENNEC FOX
Preview: 8 EMPRESS GAME is knocking on the door and is well drawn over an ideal trip. 6 GOLDEN ASPEN is course and distance suited and drawn in pole. 3 DAKOTA CAT can bounce back dropped to a competitive mark. 7 FENNEC FOX is also off a competitive mark and can earn. (8-6-3-7)
RACE 8
1 MUNCHKIN 10 DARK TIDE 12 DELLA’S SWORD 5 VAN MEIJEL
Preview: 1 MUNCHKIN is coming into his own and should enjoy this trip. 10 DARK TIDE can be in the shake up if repeating his last start. 12 DELLA’S SWORD has been consistent lately and can earn again. 5 VAN MEIJEL might well enjoy the step down in trip. (1-10-12-5)
Ambitious Lady will be on the right path
PUBLISHED: May 6, 2024
David Thiselton The Vaal Classic course has an eight race meeting today and it should provide some opportunities for on the nose and exotic punters. In the first race, a workriders maiden over 1500m, the Paul Peter yard send out Ambitous Lady, a Pathfork filly who has run one fifth in four starts for a […]
David Thiselton
The Vaal Classic course has an eight race meeting today and it should provide some opportunities for on the nose and exotic punters.
In the first race, a workriders maiden over 1500m, the Paul Peter yard send out Ambitous Lady, a Pathfork filly who has run one fifth in four starts for a previous yard in KZN, but she has always been close up. Considering the record the Peter yard have first time out with horses from other yards she must have a good chance in this uninspiring field despite having not raced since December. Sacambaya ran a good race at Hollywoodbets Scottsville last time and had some fair form in Cape Town too, but her Highveld form in three starts has not been close to those performances. However, if she can reproduce that last run in KZN she should go close under experienced Chamu Mabaya, despite jumping from the widest draw of all. Pomo Clapper ran a cracker over 1700m in her penultimate start. She might well enjoy the step down in trip after disappointing last time, considering she fought the rider in that good penultimate start. She is drawn in pole and could be dangerous. Oklahoma Twister is a couple of lengths behind Pomo Clapper on collateral formlines and is not out of it under the handicap conditions. Summer Shade is not out of it at the weights either.
In the second race over 1200m There A Light has a fair draw and the last time he went over this trip he was far from disgraced in a 4,20 length second to the subsequent Gr 3 winner Mid Winter Wind. However, he does have to carry topweight. Together Again has run two fair places in her last two starts and is distance suited, so, carrying 52,5kg, should be right there. Someday Maybe has good enough form over this trip to stand a chance carrying 54kg plus the half-a-kilogram overweight of top jockey S’Manga Khumalo. The Navy Lark was just a quarter of a length behind Together Again over this trip last time but is 1,5kg worse off and has another wide draw. Sovereigns Call ran an improved race when dropped to this trip last time and carries only 56kg.
In the third race over 1800m In A Blue Moon has been threatening a win and gets a good opportunity here over what should be an ideal trip against an uninspiring field. He has a fair draw of four out of eleven, but he has to carry second top weight. Perform has a chance on form carrying just 54,5kg with a 4kg claimer up, but she does have to overcome a tough draw. Main Mission has a tough draw and has to carry topweight and also comes off a well below par effort following a layoff. He should have come on from that run though. Incredible Indrani is drawn in pole and carrying just 56,5kg has a chance having run well in first time cheekpieces last time. Master Tik Tok ran a cracker on Saturday and carries only 58kg. The blinkers were taken off for that last run and might stay off.
In the fourth over 1800m Viva de Janeiro is capable of better than last time and as a full brother to the useful Viva Brazil, who has won twice over 2000m, he should relish the step up in trip and has a fair draw. Ideal Future is a long-striding sort who will enjoy the course and distance from a good draw. Full Go has been in good form since dropped to a 56 merit rating and looks capable of being involved with a further drop to 55.
In the fifth over 1600m Sparkling Jubilee should be fit enough returning from a layoff coming from the De Kock yard and has a form chance from pole position. Can’t Catch Me disappointed last time but will enjoy the step back in trip and has a fair draw with a 4kg claimer up. Count Your Chances ran quite well for fourth after a win and can be in the shake up again. Kittyboy’s Girl is 1,5kg better off with Count Your Chances for a 0,60 length beating but has a wide draw. Secret Recipe is well drawn and beat Count Your Chances by two lengths last time and is only half-a-kilogram worse off.
In the sixth over 1450m Gimme The Flame won well the last time she ran over this course and distance and although seven points higher she now has a better draw. Putins Promise is drawn in pole and has dropped to a competitive mark so can be involved over a suitable trip for an in form yard. Written In Stone retains talent despite his age and has a fair opportunity here with the same 4kg claimer who extracted a strong finish from him last time over the same trip. Southern Style reverts to the course and distance of her best recent run and has a good draw. Feeling Groovy looks capable of placing off this mark.
In the seventh over 1200m Empress Game was unlucky last week and is knocking on the door. Khumalo stays aboard over the same trip from a plum draw. Golden Aspen is course and distance suited and drawn in pole. Dakota Cat can bounce back dropped to a competitive mark. Fennec Fox is also off a competitive mark. Lady Elliot could be involved off a mark reduced a further two points if able to overcome a wide draw.
In the last race over 1000m Munchkin has always been well regarded and looks to have come into his own. Dark Tide can be in the shake up if reproducing his fair fourth last time. Della’s Sword, Van Meijel and Knockemstiff make most appeal of the rest.
Rugby 8 Carryover 11 May 2024
PUBLISHED: May 6, 2024
RUGBY 8 WIN MARGIN on Saturday, 11 May 2024 C/Over R 61 759 Pool Closes at 14h00
RUGBY 8 WIN MARGIN on Saturday, 11 May 2024 C/Over R 61 759 Pool Closes at 14h00
ALL CHOICES APPLY FOR THE FOLLOWING MATCH DATED 09 MAY 2024
PUBLISHED: May 6, 2024
Soccer 4: Sport 19 Pool 1– 09 MAY 2024 Match 3 (M3): MILTON KEYNES DONS vs CRAWLEY TOWN. New Match Date: 11 May 2024 . Match Is Postponed Due To a Waterlogged Pitch. Soccer 6: Sport 5 Pool 1 – 09 MAY 2024 Match 5 (M5): MILTON KEYNES DONS vs CRAWLEY TOWN. New Match Date: 11 May 2024 . Match Is […]
Soccer 4: Sport 19 Pool 1– 09 MAY 2024
Match 3 (M3): MILTON KEYNES DONS vs CRAWLEY TOWN. New Match Date: 11 May 2024 . Match Is Postponed Due To a Waterlogged Pitch.
Soccer 6: Sport 5 Pool 1 – 09 MAY 2024
Match 5 (M5): MILTON KEYNES DONS vs CRAWLEY TOWN. New Match Date: 11 May 2024 . Match Is Postponed Due To a Waterlogged Pitch.
Soccer 10: Sport 15 Pool 1 – 09 MAY 2024
Match 5 (M5): MILTON KEYNES DONS vs CRAWLEY TOWN. New Match Date: 11 May 2024 . Match Is Postponed Due To a Waterlogged Pitch.