RACE 1

PERIODIC TABLE drifted alarmingly in the betting on debut but still finished an encouraging second and could confirm that promise by going one better with natural improvement expected, though HAMMER BLOW does have the form and experience to fight out the finish. Newcomer SPIRIT OF THE SEA won’t have to be special to pose a threat, especially if the market speaks in his favour.

RACE 2

Improving SHERIFF BILL BROWN relished the step up in distance when opening his account last time over 1400m and the extended 200m should unlock further improvement. However, he could find conceding 3kg to filly DOESYOURMOTHERKNOW a bridge too far. The latter wasn’t winning out of turn when shedding her maiden tag over 1400m and this trip could also be more to her liking. WHAT A WARRIOR and DEAR DOC have the form experience to make their presence felt. LONE HORIZON, capable of better than a disappointing last run suggests, and THE NAME OF DLADLA (engaged to run earlier) complete the shortlist.

RACE 3

PRINCESS OF ALL was returning from almost 4 months off when tiring late to finish second over course and distance recently. She would’ve tightened up with the benefit of that comeback run and will not have to improve much – if at all – to go one better. MASTER’S LADY has been costly to follow but has the form and experience to pose a threat. Stablemate SECRET LIFE and ELEGANT EDGE remain open to improvement so could fill the minor positions.

RACE 4

Veteran 10yo JET CAT was a good fourth at a higher level over this track and trip last time so a repeat of that effort off an unchanged mark could suffice. SERGEANT SOQRAT finished second in that race but subsequently lost his form in KZN so may enjoy being back on the Highveld. INAFIX and ORIENTAL BOUQUET are closely matched on that form so should be right in the mix. Class-dropper LILAC SNOW and hard-knocker ZOOMBOMBER also have the means to get involved. TIME WILL TELL and PALACE REVOLT have dropped in the ratings to a competitive mark so can make their presence felt too.

RACE 5

JUST THE TWO OF US bounced back to her best last time when winning over this trip at a higher level with cheekpieces fitted and a 4-point penalty may not be enough to prevent her from following up with the headgear retained. VANAKKAM, VERSACE ONTHETRACK and BOSUM BUDDY are held on that form but weighted to get closer. MYSTICAL MISS is consistent at this level and should be competitive too. RUSSIAN NOBILITY and EXECUTRIX return from lengthy absences but remain open to improvement so are others to consider.

RACE 6

LOVABLE has good recent form at this level and finished second over this trip off her current mark two starts back. She ought to play another leading role on current form and could emerge victorious with any improvement. BLINDFIRE, QUIET WINTER, WINGS OF KILDRA and returning CRYSTAL GROVE had excuses for disappointing last starts but could have a say if bouncing back to their earlier form. JAZZ PIANIST should strip fitter after a pleasing comeback run and must be respected off a reduced mark. TAKING A RISK finished ahead of that rival last time off her current rating so should have a role to play.

RACE 7

DIMAKO’S JET improved with blinkers fitted to win consecutive 1800m appearances, the latest over track and trip before a break. She carries a 4-point penalty on her return but remains competitive off a career-high mark. Stablemate PALACE DANCER fits a similar profile after bouncing back to her best with a last-start victory over course and distance with blinkers applied, and a 3-point penalty isn’t likely to halt her momentum. DOITWITHDIAMONDS and class-dropper SOLDIER’S EYE are closely matched on the form of a recent Grade 2 meeting and both should be more competitive at this level.

RACE 8

Progressive 3yo SCARLET O’HARA boasts solid form credentials at a higher level, albeit over 2000m. She races off a reduced mark in calmer waters so won’t need to improve to get back to winning ways. Consistent hard-knocker ROSY LEMON is competitive off her current mark and wouldn’t be winning out of turn after consecutive seconds. KORTVANDRAAD caught the eye when a fast-finishing third over 1400m last time and this extended trip could be more to her liking. Stablemate PALACE SCRIPT fits a similar profile so has to be respected. SURPRISE PARTY, PLAY WITH FIRE and APOSTROPHE aren’t taken lightly.