The meeting today has switched from the Vaal straight to the Turffontein Inside track which could mean a reversal in draw fortunes for some races as high draws down the Vaal straight are usually advantageous but now around the turn they become disadvantageous..

In the first race over 1200m, a workrider’s maiden, Varquera was oroginally made the best bet of the day. She moved up well on debut over this trip and looked dangerous but then ran out of steam and finished third. She should have come on from the run and has Sam Mosia aboard from a high draw, which would have been favourable but is now unfavourable. Desert Kitten and Daring Damsel have also shown ability and are the main dangers.

In the first leg of the PA over 1200m Bold Matador was a touch outpaced on debut over 1000m before staying on well, so he will enjoy the step up in trip. However, the form is not strong and Setablaze, who is improving and has gone close in his last two over 1200m and 1400m respectively, must also be included in the PA. The only possible concern for him was the low draw, but this now becomes an advantage. These two horses should get punters through the PA. Potje is the first to consider for those who want to go wider as he has form behind some fair sorts and on the evidence of his first run with blinkers on he could enjoy this step down in trip.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 Verdi ran on resolutely last time over 1600m and should relish this 1700m trip from another good draw as he has proved he can stay up to 1800m. Hit For Six will has a nice big action and after being outpaced on debut over 1400m he was staying on at the finish. He will probably need even further than this trip, being by Dynasty out of a Jallad mare who won twice over 1800m, but he should have a chance from a plum draw. Palace Green ran on well on debut over 1200m and will also relish the step up in trip. He is also well drawn but has not raced since last August so might need it. Maroon Bells is a rangy type who has his third run after a layoff and gelding and he can be included in the Pick 6. Paused has a wide draw but has shown ability and with a 2,5kg claimer aboard for an in form yard can also be included in the Pick 6.

In the first leg of the Jackpot over 1700m it all points to Evening Bell. This rangy daughter of Horse Chestnut has plenty of substance and stayed on well on debut over 1200m. She should relish the step up in trip and has a plum draw of three. However, it will be her first race around the turn so the hard knocking Sea Like Glass must be included in all the exotics. His last run can be ignored as he had to be eased at the 300m mark. Strydom is now aboard which is a plus. For the Pick 6 and Jackpot Oh So Cold, Jungle Jane and Vida Amarosa have all shown enough to be able to upset.

In the next race over 1700m D’Arrivee has always struck as one with a touch of class and he is now coming into his own. He is drawn in pole over an ideal trip, but can’t be made a banker as Verdier is well drawn and comes from a strong formline. Ragoon, who makes breathing noises and now has to overcome an eight point merit rating raise, has also turned the corner and is distance suited.

In the sixth race over 2400m Emily Hobhouse is made the value bet as she has always struck as one who would improve with age and she has now come into her own. She is ideally distance suited and has a nice low weight. Blue Sage might be 2,5kg under sufferance but on collateral form with the other runners she is right in it here. Star Halo has a big weight but has the form to be involved and Glamarous Scandal and Pilgrim’s Progress can’t be ignored either.

In the last leg of the Jackpot over 1800m Seventh Of June won a fine race over this trip in his penultimate start. Last time over 2000m he set the pace and just failed, proving he has a new lease of life and that he is up to his new merit rating. The well drawn Corrido goes well for Herrerra Gomez and if apprentice claims are included is 6kg better off with Seventh Of June for a mere 0,4 length beating. If the claim is ignored he is 2kg better off but it still puts him in with a fine chance. Hakeem has to be included too over an ideal trip.

In the last race over 1400m Believe Me was the tip but has now been scratched. Bullsade enjoyed stepping up to this sort of trip and will go close. Seattle Tango should relish the step down in trip so also has to be included.

By David Thiselton