Turffontein Standside stages an eight race night meeting tomorrow which is headlined by the Grade 3 Victory Moon Stakes over 1800m.
The two females in the Victory Moon, Takingthepeace and Sabina’s Dynasty, are the best weighted on official merit ratings but preference is for Like A Panther, a long-striding, scopey sort who should come into his own this season. He has a wide draw but can be dropped out before running on. Deo Juvente should go close as he has been dropped to a competitive merit rating and caught the eye in his last run. Gambado strikes as a progressive sort and he will come on from his last start. Arctica and Takingthepeace also have to be included in exotics. Sabina’s Dynasty, Dawn Assault and Tandava make most appeal of the rest.
Cascapedia (JC Photographics)
It is a tricky card and Redberry Lane is made the best bet in race two over her optimum trip of a mile. She won the Grade 1 Jonsson Workwear Garden Province Stakes in fine style and in her recent comeback she caught the eye staying on strongly to get up over 1450m. Her main rival here Cascapedia will likely be using this as a preparation for the GBets Summer Cup.
The first leg of the Pick is tough but Flying Winger is on the up and on pedigree will enjoy the step up to 1800m. However, the lightly raced and progressive Diamond Dancer from pole position will be a big threat. Kilrain should bounce back off a lowered merit rating and Secret Captain and Silver God have to be considered.
The first leg of the Jackpot is a tough MR 88 sprint handicap. Copper Jay is an up and coming sort who was scalped last time and he can make amends being 2kg better off with Donny G for a 1,3 length beating. The latter has always struck as one with ability and has begun living up to that since being partnered with Piere Strydom. They go for a hattrick together. Pillaroftheearth also looks to have come into his own and must also be included. Torre Del Oro has been disappointing lately but was coughing last time and if bouncing back to his best could be a threat. The speedy Great Shaka could be dangerous too running fresh.
The next race should be fought out by the promising youngsters Big Blue Marble and Palace Chapel and the best weighted Mawsoof.
In the Listed Gardenia Stakes Green Plains is well weighted but she does have the number one draw which can sometimes be the worst side on this straight sprint course. Therefore Covered In Snow, Kissable, Wrecking Ball, Queen Laurie and Rose In Bloom have to also be considered.
In the last race Africa Rising gets on well with Lyle Hewitson and can beat the Equus Champion Sprinter Will Pays, who is returning from a layoff. Legal Eagle ran a place in a similar race last season and Pinnacle Peak, Romi’s Boy, Captain’s Causeway and Angel’s Power are hard to ignore.
By David Thiselton
