RACE 1

This won’t take much winning and SAMUEL SHARPE should prove too good for these rivals if making any improvement in first-time blinkers. HEROIC ACT and COMIC ARTIST have the form and experience to pose a threat but have less scope than the selection.

RACE 2

BUFFALO KING CODY was beaten at prohibitive odds last time but there were legitimate excuses that day and he could atone if bouncing back to earlier form. TIGER MAGIC was a game-in-defeat 2nd on debut and with natural improvement should play another leading role. Newcomers EVENING PARADE, FIERCENESS, SNOWBLADE, TENAREEF and THE BUFFALO are worth a market check on debut. Follow the betting moves!

RACE 3

STAGGERWING wasn’t disgraced (4th) in a Listed race when last seen and a repeat of that performance back in maiden company should suffice on her reappearance. RUBY WHISPER was a well-beaten 2nd last time but her form and experience stands her in good stead. MOLTEN ROCK could also have a role to play if building on the improvement of her last start. Newcomers MINERVA FAE and WINTER VOICE are worth a market check.

RACE 4

CARTAGENA caught the eye when a fast-finishing 3rd over 2000m on her return from a break and this longer trip will be more to her liking. She is drawn wide but weighted to be competitive. SILVER FLARE and PLAY WITH FIRE are closely matched on recent form and also favorably treated by the conditions. CHABAL was 2nd over track and trip last time and should have a say in the outcome off an unchanged mark. Recent maiden winner GREEN MACHINE has enjoyed going 2000m and could have more to offer over this extended trip on handicap debut. Stablemate SPECIAL STAR fits a similar profile so is respected.

RACE 5

BOUNDLESS LOVE has thrived on the Highveld and could improve sufficiently in his peak outing to follow up under a 5-point penalty. ORANGE COUNTY has a bit to find on his last-start conqueror but will pose more of a threat over the extra 200m. SHOREYBOMBA is weighted to get closer so could play a role in the outcome. Consistent ART NOUVEAU, hard-knocker PAGE BOY and lightly raced 3yo FORCE PUBLIQUE complete the shortlist.

RACE 6

ROCK MY BOAT deservedly shed his maiden tag last time and this seems like a winnable opportunity on handicap debut off his opening mark. NORTHERN KITTEN, CREPUSCOLO and ITSNOWORNEVER are hard knockers with the means to challenge for top honours. However, the same applies to class-dropper SHEETS AND GOGGLES off a reduced mark.

RACE 7

SOSORU was an impressive wide-margin winner on handicap and the step up in class under an 8-point penalty may not be enough to prevent him from completing the hat-trick. Fellow last-start scorer IT’S PERSONAL also remains competitive under a penalty. JUST THE TWO OF US, LEAD THE CHARGE and ESPINOZA have the form and experience at this level to make their presence felt too.

RACE 8

Youngster CATFISH was outclassed in a 2yo sales race last time over 1160m and the return to this trip in calmer waters, albeit against older opposition, will be more to his liking. TAKING A RISK and INAFIX are consistent handicappers with the means to fight out the finish. Recent maiden winners GUNBOAT and HAMMER BLOW could improve to have a say on their handicap debuts. Beware of reserve runner TWENTYTWENTYVISION.

RACE 9

DADS DREAM improved with blinkers fitted to run out a wide-margin winner of an 1160m maiden last time and with the headgear retained and further progress expected, he could prove a lot better than his opening mark. SPY STORY, ZOOMBOMBER, KOTINOS and ORIENTAL BOUQUET are proven at this level and will test the 2yo selection. NKANDLA GOLD and DARING ACT appeal most of the remainder.