The Vaal has another ten race meeting on the turf outside track today and, while the going is usually superior on the outside, high draws are not always favourable because hold up horses drawn on this side often find themselves stuck behind a wall of horses in the closing stages.

The eighth, an intriguing MR 100 handicap over 1000m, is the highlight and could be won by the progressive speedster Bad Boy Buddy Boy. He is 2kg worse off for a 1,2 length defeat of Mod Barley, but looks to have landed the perfect draw of six in the eight horse field considering his front-running style. Mod Barley could chase him home and Isphan, who will likely be using this as a preparation for the Supreme Cup sponsored by SAP on September 26, should be running on strongly. The classy Sarve is drawn on the outside and can’t be ignored, while Greasepaint should get closer to Bad Boy Buddy Boy than in their last meeting.

In the first over 1200m Ntoma stayed on well over 1000m on debut and Gavin Lerena now rides over an extra 200m she will appreciate. Lindelize drops back in trip and makes most appeal of the rest to have run. Of the first-timers the Trippi filly Nala is out of Gr 1 winner Bold Ellinore. Another Trippi filly Killauea is a half-sister to the promising Knox. Vogadonna is by Dynasty out of a Western Winter mare and is a half-sister to useful sprinter Piano Man. Perfect Dream is by Warm White Night out of an Argosy mare who has produced a facile debut winner before. Amazing Var is by Var out of a Northern Guest mare who hasn’t produced much to date.

In the second over 1200m Brazuca is full of class and was unlucky in a Gr 1 over 1400m last time so will be hard to beat. Machismo comes from strong formlines and could earn. Danza has been thereabouts against some good sorts and this is a suitable trip. Ashkenazi could earn at best. Le Clos has pace and should appreciate the step down in trip. Suyoof is an Australian-bred by Magic Albert. Umthetho is an Australian-bred by Encosta De Lago and Andrew Fortune rides.

In the third over 1200m A Woman’s Will found some support on debut and showed pace so is tipped to win, although a concern is she made a breathing noise. Honeybush Tea is knocking on the floor and should be up with the pace on the outside.  Seal My Fate is improving and could earn. Soul Of Spain has not been disgraced against some good sorts.

Monarch Air will appreciate the step up in trip.

In the fourth over 1400m the well-bred Liege caught the eye on debut behind a promising sort and will relish the step up in trip. Scheme Of Things has pace and could improve on his fair debut. Teagan’s Boy stayed on well over course and distance last time out and could earn.

In the fifth over 1400m Calico Quiver wasn’t disgraced first time out the maidens over this trip and could be the one to side with especially as Andrew Fortune now has the ride. Capuche is in good form and should go close over his optimum trip. Nahoon Beach flew late when stepped down to 1600m off a lowered merit rating and is interesting stepped further down in trip.

In the sixth over 1400m Love To Sail looks distance suited and has the form to win. Sapsan finished an excellent third in a Gr 1 over this trip last time but doesn’t have it easy as a young three-year-old off a merit rating of 95. Stablemate Green Crest has the form to be a contender too.

In the seventh over 1400m Antonia Major was raised only two points for a comfortable win over this distance last time and could follow up. Intergalactic has ability but it is not easy for a young three-year-old in a handicap off a merit rating of 81. Tell my Star has a tricky draw but has the form to earn over a suitable trip.

The ninth over 1000m is at the mercy of Little Genie who runs off a capped merit rating having obliterated a handicap field last time over course and distance by 7,25 lengths and receiving the maximum raise of eight points.

In the tenth over 1600m Matilda’s Daughter should appreciate the step up in trip and could beat home Samarra, although the first-timer Noor is one to keep an eye on.

By David Thiselton

Picture: Mod Barley (Nkosi Hlophe)