An eight race meeting at Turffontein brings down the curtain on 2015 and punters look to have a good chance to go out on a high note.

The first race is a competitive Maiden over 1450m and some promising types are involved. Just A Gigolo caught the eye with a tremendous finishing run from the back for third when stepped up to 1400m on the Standside course, having raced wide from a wide draw. He is drawn wide again and the shorter straight will make it tough but he should go close if he could be placed closer this time.

Crimson Magic ran on strongly from last over 1400m a week ago and is better drawn now so should go close. Danza has obvious ability having run behind some good horses and is well drawn. However, last time out when showing pace over 1160m after a two-and-a-half month layoff, he swished his tail, changed legs and then hung outward, so doesn’t look like a straight forward customer. In The Moment was flying late over 1200m last time and looks to have improved with gelding, although that was a weak race. Duzi Moon could earn as the form of his improved last race over 1200m had been franked and he should enjoy the step up in trip while Gavin Lerena retains the ride. First-timer Nawra is by Kildonan out of a maiden Fort Wood mare who has produced a few winners and cost R160,000.

The second race is a Maiden for fillies and mares over 1450m and the scopey Girl On The Run looks the one to beat in an uninspiring field having run on well from a tough draw over 1200m on debut. Monarch Air has run two good races over this sort of trip and has a fair draw. Bay Of Thunder will appreciate the step up in trip and could earn from a good draw as one who can improve from her first two runs.

The third is a fillies and mares maiden over 2000m. Gains Tax is well drawn and could beat this uninspiring field if ridden more conservatively than last time. Lingerie has a tough draw but looks likely to enjoy this step up in trip. Gavin Lerena retains faith in the hard knocking Topography, who is the stand out on bare form, but the concern is she always makes breathing noises which doesn’t augur well for a step up in trip.

The fourth is a MR 71 Handicap over 1800m and Gentelman Only should relish the step up in trip and is interesting from a good draw. High Drama has been raised two points after being caught late over 2000m and this trip looks to be ideal although the quite wide draw won’t make it easy. The trip looks likely to be ideal for Tom Fool. Charanga beat High Drama by a short-head last time and has a chance again. Facebook looks likely to enjoy this trip nowadays and is drawn well. Aqua Blue could earn off a lowered merit rating, although the wide draw makes it tough.

The fifth is a MR 92 handicap over 1600m and Imperial Gold has been disappointing but having been lowered seven points he could fire in his third run after a rest and gelding over what should be an ideal trip. Shea Devon was raised five points for his last comfortable win over 2000m and can continue to progress in his third run with blinkers. Loco Por Ganor has improved and has a good course and distance record.

The sixth is a MR 67 Handicap over 1600m and Arctica proved himself up to this merit rating last time when going close over course and distance despite stumbling at the start. Post Grad is knocking on the door and should be staying on. Rushing Lark could be dangerous over this step down in trip from pole position as he travels comfortably in his races and should be staying on.

The seventh is a Mr 81 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1600m and Zrinski is off a competitive merit rating so looks the one to beat from a good draw over a trip which might be ideal, looking at her overall form. She’s A Looker loves the course and distance and has been dropped two points, so will be a big runner. Party Magic should be running on strongly from a good draw.

The last race of 2015 is a Mr 67 Handicap over 1600m for fillies and mares and the in form Eina could be a tough nut to crack from a good draw over a step down in trip as she has been handy over this trip before and will be staying all the way to the line. Swazi Lily has ability and will be running on but doesn’t have it easy off a 79 merit rating and a wide draw. Nkolo scrapes into the handicap off a competitive merit rating and with a 2,5kg claimer up should run on well as she usually does and could be good value for a place.

David Thiselton