David Thiselton
A Pinnacle Stakes event for fillies and mares over 1450m and a MR92 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1200m are the two highest rated races at Turffontein Inside toand the pair to beat could be Famous Lady and Rachel Wall.
Famous Lady has won her last two starts over 1450m and 1200m respectively and was particularly eye-catching in the 1200m event as she won by 3,50 lengths and stopped the clock in 69,55 seconds, which was nearly half-a-second quicker than the useful Quantum Theory’s time on the day, although she did carry 4kg less. In her penultimate start over 1450m on the Vaal Classic track she was drawn seven out of nine and showed fine gate-speed to go to the front and she then showed a good kick in he straight to win by half-a-length from Destiny Of Fire with the rest of the field a further 3,50 lengths back. Destiny Of Fire franked the form by winning easily over that same distance next time out. Famous Lady has not run since August 30 but should be able to handle a layoff of just short of two-and-a-half months and from draw five out of eight should have a good chance of getting to the front and dictating. She is only 1kg under sufferance with the best weighted pair Spumante Dolce and Minogue and looks capable of progressing. Spumante Dolce has proven class, having won the Gr 2 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas last season. However, this is her second run after a layoff and her comeback run saw her beaten 16 lengths in the Gr 2 Allied-Steelrode Charity Mile. Furthermore, she has to carry 60kg and is drawn eight out of eight. Minogue has class and is distance suited but has a tricky draw of six and, on a line through Destiny Of Fire, Famous Lady emerges in front. That’s My Baby seems to have an affinity for Hollywoodbets Greyville, a venue where three of her four career wins have happened, but her other win was over this course and distance, so she could do well from draw three. She represents the Sean Tarry/Craig Zackey combination, who had a four-timer at the Vaal on Tuesday. Miss Hannigan was close up in her last two starts, both over this course and distance and both times from draw two, so she must have a shout from the same draw with in-form 2,5kg claimer Girish Samo-Burthia aboard. Ceuta has to be given a chance from pole position in that case because she is 1,5 kg better off with Miss Hannigan for a 1,30 length beating over course and distance.
In the MR 92 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1200m, Rachel Wall is a progressive sort who represents the in-form Tony Peter yard. She has good pace and a good kick, so she won’t be easy to peg back jumping from pole position with Gavin Lerena up. Her stablemate Blizzard Snow has some good sprinting form and with 4kg claimer Savanna Valjalo up she could earn. Stars And Bra’s proved last time she is effective over sprint trips and from a plum draw of two she could be a threat. Sister Golden Hair had some fine juvenile form. She has not run for nearly six months but has some class and should run well fresh over a trip too sharp. Hong Kong ran on well to win last time and the hold up tactic might be employed again, but she does have a five point raise to contend with.
In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1500m Jabari Thimba was not disgraced behind the useful African Pride over 1200m last time and this half-brother to the classy Garrix should enjoy the step up in trip. He has a wide draw of ten but Gavin Lerena is up and can help solve that problem. Franky Fahrenheit ran well over 1200m last time and tries a step up in trip, which he might enjoy being by Danon Platina out of a speedy Frankel mare. Battle Of The Bulge could earn if able to repeat his penultimate start, but he does have a tough draw.
In the sixth race over 1450m Clarkson is course and distance suited and could do well from pole position with Muzi Yeni up. Sea Shanty is capable of a strong finish so should do well from a good draw. After Hours is consistent and honest and has a plum draw over a suitable trip with Lerena up, but she is now off an 81 merit rating, a four point raise for his last win, so it won’t be easy. Zip Code has an interesting drop in trip as his only win was over 1400m, but he does have a tough draw. Sutherland is capable of earning if able to overcome a wide draw. Eiffel Tower can’t be ignored.
In the seventh over 1450m Universal Girl keeps on improving and should go close here, although her draw of six out of ten is not easy. Calida is knocking on the door and has a fair draw over an ideal trip. Vava Vegas only just failed last time but has to overcome a wide draw. Can’t Catch Me has a plum draw and a repeat of her last start will see her going close. Sunshine Day will enjoy the step down in trip, but does have a tricky draw.
In the last race over 1200m Princess Lola is in hard knocking form and has a chance here from a good draw with in-form claimer Samo-Burthia up. Season’s Greetings returns from a layoff, but looks to have plenty of ability and the form of her win last time has been franked so she can do well from a good draw. Maverick Queen has the form to be a contender here although the draw is a bit tricky. Golden Aspen is capable of popping up from a plum draw. Concordia starts handicapping off a reasonable mark and has pole position with Yeni up.
In the first leg of the PA Damova is in fine form and will relish this 2600m trip. Trident King and Mount Etna make most appeal as the dangers.
In the first leg of the Bipot over 1200m Power Of Pearls is the one to beat from a fair draw. Echoes Of War will be dangerous from a plum draw.
In the first race over 1200m Plumbago Park will be hard to beat from a good draw over a suitable trip having gone close on his Highveld debut after moving up from Cape Town.
