David Thiselton
The Turffontein Standside meeting today has nine competitive races and there could be some decent dividends.
The highest rated race is the sixth, a Middle Stakes event over 1400m and the one to beat could be The Africa House. This What A Winter gelding has his fifth start for the astute trainer Tyrone Zackey, and as he has improved in his last two starts, going close in both, he can be right there from a fair draw of five, especially considering he is one of the best weighted males in the race. A Bit Of Class is the best weighted runner and has her third run after a layoff. She has got plenty of class and would not be a surprise winner. Erupt gelding Paul Revere has turned out to be a 1400m specialist and after an easy win last time over 1450m on the Inside track, he was raised seven points to 92. He is just one point off the top of his merit rating band and is officially only half-a-kilogram out with the best weighted males, although he is 2,5kg out with the best weighted runner, the filly A Bit Of Class. However, 2,5kg claimer Blaine Marx-Jacobson stays aboard and that is a bonus as this rider has come from nowhere to be leading apprentice such has been the rich vein of form he has found since relocating to the Highveld. Richard Fourie will be aboard the consistent Kamensky, who is one of the best weighted males and he is versatile so will enjoy this trip. He is drawn in pole, but does have a big weight of 62kg to carry and this is first apppearance for eight months. Craig Zackey takes the ride on the talented Slinky Mapimpi, who is likely going to try and get to the front from a wide draw. If he gets there without using up too much energy he will be dangerous.
The seventh is a MR 96 handicap over 1160m and Lead The Charge has the form to go close under Marx-Jacobson. The chief concern though is his low draw of three but the bias has not been that noticeable overall this season. The talented Quickfreeze will be a threat. He would prefer further but from a high draw he could mow them down late. African Prince is knocking on the door and although not having an easy task with Vibe SA, being only 2,5kg better off for a 3,5 length beating, he has a nice high draw and could be in the shake up. Palace Prince has not been disgraced against good sorts in his last two sprint starts and he has a chance as long as low draws do not prove to be a major disadvantage. Night Bomber ran well after a layoff last time and can run well here again after another short layoff. Secret Chord was most disappointing last time, but he is talented and can never be ignored. Vibe SA has to be considered too.
In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1600m Winds Of Grace is a nice type and the form of her last second, beaten 2,20 lengths, was franked when the winner Kensal Green came out and won next time out by an easy 3,30 lengths off an 83 merit rating. She runs off a 72 and will go close if able to overcome a tricky draw of eight. War Reporter ran a good race over 1700m last time and from a good draw of two should make a bold bid. Blood Of Eden was raised three points for his win over 1800m last time, but looks capable of being competitive again in this line up. Golden Aspen is well drawn and is interesting tried over 1600m again. Redlightgreenlight will enjoy the step down in trip and is drawn in pole.
In the fifth race over 1800m World Of Royalty can progress again as he is very much suited to the Turffontein Standside course and is drawn in pole. Page Boy last ran in January, but looked to be a progressive sort and he might have benefited from the layoff. The form of his win over 1700m that day has worked out exceptionally well. Terrence won well in the maidens and off a 78 merit rating has a chance.
In the eighth race over 1160m Sosoru won well in the maidens and starts off handicapping off a reasonable 81. Traditional Belief should go close dropping back in trip as long as low draws are not a major disadvantage. Saketini also makes appeal on form but also has quite a low draw.
In the last race over 1000m Mrs Stormiatrix is on the up and can clinch a hattrick. from a nice high draw. The honest Blindfire is distance suited and has a nice draw and she goes well for Blaine Marx-Jacobson, so should be in the shake up. Kia Kaha has more ability than his form suggests but off a lowered merit rating and from a high draw over an ideal trip he could be involved with the gender allowance of the excellent Mickaelle Michel being another bonus.
In the first leg of the PA over 1600m What A Warrior looks to be going places and can do well from a good draw over a suitable step up in trip. Moana won well second time out over 1400m and will enjoy this step up in trip. Snap Your Fingers will relish the step up in trip and will be dangerous carrying a light weight as a female and a non-winner.
In the first race over 1160m Elusive Dragon can confirm form with Indecent Obsession, although this race won’t take a lot of winning so the two first-timers’ betting must be monitored. Cosmic Cap was a talking horse on debut and disappointed but look for improvement.
In the 2nd race over 1160m Royal Tiara came in for support on debut and ran a fair third. Storm Avalanche was 4,40 lengths behind the talented Alice B Toklas and could be the chief threat.
