David Thiselton
A Graduation Plate is the highlight of the Turffontein Inside eight-race meeting today.
King Harald is the best weighted male in the race and is only 1kg under sufferance with the best weighted runner, A Bit Of Class, who returns from a layoff of close to five months and might need it. King Harald sat handy in the Gr 2 Gauteng Guineas last time and looked set to run a big race as he had seemingly travelled well in a handy position. However, he finished 7,85 lengths back, although that could be good enough to win this race, considering he is 6,5kg better off with rest of the field if A Bit Of Class is taken out. King Harald is by Erik The Red, who was a sprinter, but his dam by Caesour won two races, both over 1600m, and she placed second in a Gr 3 over 1800m, so he should get this trip. King Harald is drawn wide in seven which is a concern. Bristol Hercules has always struck as having some class and this consistent sort should be right there again over a trip he will enjoy from a middle draw. Golden Operator has some class and the best is unlikely to have been seen of him yet as he has only had four career starts. He will stay the trip on pedigree and from draw five out of seven should make a bold bid, although it is his second run after a layoff. Zip Code should be ideally distance suited and from pole position should be running on well. Sigfrid Swing and Opera Fan look a bit outclassed here. A Bit Of Class has caught the eye before and if anywhere near her best she can earn and if at her best after the layoff she will go close, but the race fit horses are preferred.
The first leg of the Pick 6 is a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1000m. Queen Leila finished close to a promising sort in Griselda on debut in a small field and could be the one to beat. First-timer The Bachelorette is by William Longsword out of Gr 1-winning Trippi mare For The Lads. First-timer Elusive Dragon is by Elusive Fort out of a Gimmthegreenlight mare. Irish Wilma was not disgraced on debut behind the promising Secretary Bird when beaten by 8,65 lengths. Love Not War is by Act Of War and is out of a twice-winning Oratorio speedster.
The second leg of the Pick 6 is a Maiden over 1450m. Emerald Countess was not disgraced last time and the form of that race has worked out exceptionally well, but she does have a tricky draw. Palace Script can go close if repeating her last start over course and distance, but she will have to overcome a wide draw again. Emerald Forge is usually thereabouts and should earn again if able to overcome a tricky draw. First-timer Court Action is by Legislate out of a Caesour mare and is a half-sister to a horse who won her first two starts. Amaze Me has shown some ability and has a fair draw.
In the sixth race over 1600m, a MR 70 Handicap, Libeccio is often thereabouts and has a good opportunity here from a good draw over a suitable trip. Pretty Analia has a wide draw but is capable of a strong finish from off the pace and she should go close. Mattiazo has the form to be a contender here if able to overcome a wide draw as she proved last time she both enjoys this trip and is off a competitive mark. Unsolved Riddle is capable of better than last time if he gets better luck in running. The versatile Zoombomber has a good draw and is capable of being in the shake up.
In the seventh over 1600m, a MR 84 Handicap over 1600m, Fire Storm won his maiden well when stepped up second time out to 1400m and can follow up off a reasonable opening handicap mark of 84 from a good draw. Never Never Land is in fine form and should be right there again from a good draw over a trip he should get. Chieftan’s Shield has improved to an honest sort who will always be a threat as he is capable of finding a resolute finish, but he does have a tough draw. Palace Attack has the form to be a contender from a good draw and will probably enjoy the step back down in trip. Player has been a bit off form but is only one point higher than his last winning mark and could be a contender if bouncing back.
In the last race over 1450m Brigitte Ann is knocking on the door and is a big runner here having relished the step up to this trip last time, although her draw of six out of eleven is not straight forward. Major Arcana went close behind a promising sort in Golden Operator on debut and ran against a good field next time out, which included Grand Empire and Splittheeights, when well beaten. He returns from a layoff of close to four months but will be a runner with Craig Zackey up, who will also help him overcome a tricky draw. Lance Alot is honest and capable of earning here. Nebraska ran well last time and can earn again. Frankie Fahrenheit is capable of earning here.
In the first race over 1700m the long time maiden Royale Jacket has a fine chance to get off the mark.
In the second over 1000m Catfish and Ruby Whisper should fight it out with preference for the former as he has a good draw.
