Race 1

ELUSIVE DRAGON and HOC EST VITA have the form and experience to be competitive. However, this will likely go the way of a newcomer so the betting should be monitored closely. Respect any market support for debutantes BEAUTIFUL ROSIE, BELLFLOWER, DEL’S WORLD, MIDNIGHT SPECIAL and SOCIAL GRACES who are all bred to be useful. (Brendan Gaillard 1-14-9-10)

 

Race 2

SNOWBLADE outran market expectations on debut and will have benefitted from that experience. With natural improvement expected, he will be hard to beat. Well-bred ALL TIME LEGEND had excuses on debut and should be respected. MFULATHELA has shown enough to make his presence felt, though a bigger threat to the selection will likely come from one of the newcomers. BISOU BISOU, KING SOLOMON and RIVERA are of particular interest and warrant respect before any market clues. (Brendan Gaillard 9-11-2-7)

 

Race 3

MASTER’S LADY is overdue and likely to play another leading role but could be vulnerable to unexposed rivals. ELEGANT EDGE and MISS RIVER DANCER have the form and experience to make their presence felt too. Youngster IRISH WILMA was 2nd over track and trip last time so should have a say if building on that improvement. Newcomers APPARITION and MINERVA FAE won’t have to be special to run forward races on debut so betting support would be significant. (Brendan Gaillard 1-8-3-11)

 

Race 4

KWAITO was a well-beaten 3rd on debut over track and trip behind a subsequent Grade 1 winner and the strength of that form could be good enough in this lineup, especially with natural improvement on the cards. ISAAC STEPHAN and ECHOES OF WAR have shown enough to pose a threat to the youngster. Newcomer TORPEDO, well-related EVENING PARADE and Highveld newcomer GIVE ME A CHANCE complete the shortlist. (Brendan Gaillard 10-1-2-9)

 

Race 5

BE ALL YOU CAN BE was touched off on debut over this trip by a more experienced rival and she won’t have to improve much, if at all, to go one better. MASTER SMOKER fits a similar profile and will likely fight out the finish. THE REASON has the form and experience to stake a claim but will have to bounce back from a disappointing last start. BRAVE WAAM, JIMMY VEGA and SUTTER’S MILL also have the means to get involved. (Brendan Gaillard 5-7-6-10)

 

Race 6

BELLEROPHON won over this trip under a big weight at a slightly lower level last time so a class rise under a 4-point penalty, with the aid of his rider’s 1.5kg allowance, is unlikely to prevent another bold showing. POETS WARRIOR had excuses for a disappointing last start. He is unbeaten over track and trip so could bounce back to pose a threat. BREEZE OVER, HOTARUBI and MO MENT are proven stayers. They could get into the picture along with DECEPTION PASS who is dangerous to dismiss trying the trip for the first time. (Brendan Gaillard 4-1-8-2)

 

Race 7

SOSORU was only narrowly denied in his hat-trick bid in a similar contest over 1000m and a 4-point rise for that last-start 2nd might not be enough to prevent him from resuming winning ways. Last-start winner CAPTAIN SELVIE, course-and-distance specialist VIBE SA, and recent course and distance second MAX THE MAGICIAN should be competitive on current form. BANFF, STONEYWOOD, XENOPHON and DANTE’S BOND appeal most of the remainder. (Brendan Gaillard 7-5-3-1)

 

Race 8

KORCULA was desperately unlucky not to open her account last time out. She was subsequently rested and switched stables so is good value to make a winning start for new connections. GIMMESUMLUV and NICOLSON LANDING are those most likely to expose any chinks in the selection’s armour. HEAVENLY LACE and BEAUTIFUL ONE also have the means to stake a claim. (Brendan Gaillard 1-3-2-9)