Turffontein Inside course stages a nine race meeting tomorrow and the exotics look the best way to play a competitive card.
The first leg of the PA over 1450m sees Darkest Hour having his first run since being unlucky over 1600m last time and he can make amends off the same merit rating. However, he has another tricky draw. Volcanic Sunset is interesting stepped down to this trip. He has been disappointing but he has consequently come down the merit ratings and he had some good form early in his career over sprints so the step down to this trip from a good draw could see him bouncing back to form. Mount Keith is interesting stepped up in trip considering the ease of his wins up to 1200m and his flying finish over 1000m last time. He is well drawn too.
Noble Secret (JC Photographics)
In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1200m Kissmeinmydreams did well against the boys on Tuesday over 1400m and has a chance here from a good draw over a likely more suitable trip. She is a progressive daughter of Captain Al and as a lightly raced five-year-old should be coming into her own. There is not much between Quattro and Thewaywemakem on their last meeting when they were both close up over this trip. They were well clear of the third horse and the form was then franked when the winner Private Ruler came out and won on Tuesday. They are both well drawn and should be included in all of the exotics. Cumberland and Lone Survivor can also be included in the Pick 6. The former is only two points higher for his win last time over this trip and he looks to have improved with blinkers and the latter is a lightly raced horse with scope for improvement, although he does have a tricky draw.
In the fifth Countess Var carries topweight first time out the maidens but from pole position can blitz them like she did over course and distance last time with this same 2,5kg claimer on. It is never easy first time out the maidens so two improved horses, Ilha Da Var and Mademoiselle, must also be included in the Jackpot and Pick 6. However, they both have tough draws so River Ayre, who will appreciate the step down in trip, and Rebel’s Idol, who has the advantage of a 4kg claimer up, can also be considered.
The sixth is a MR65 Handicap over 1000m so an upset could materialise. The stand outs are Singaswewin, Rebel Renegade and Stark and the latter pair have good draws. Seventh Son has pace and will appreciate the step down in trip. The maiden Cape Wildcat is a similar type to his Alec Laird-trained stablemate Skiminac, who returned from a long layoff to cruise in on Tuesday, so the feat can perhaps be repeated here.
The seventh is an Assessment Plate over 1600m and at the weights Noble Secret should hold too many guns. However, he might need it having not been seen since his SA Derby third, so Purple Diamond can also be considered.
The eighth over 1600m should be fought out by Fragrant Miss and Hafla, who have always struck as horses with ability and look to be coming into their own. Shelly is the main danger and can be included in the Jackpot and by the risk averse in the Pick 6.
The last race over 1800m is wide open and although Wildlife Safari is tipped to win from a good draw, the whole field can be included in the Pick 6.
By David Thiselton
