David Thiselton

A MR 100 handicap over 1600m is the main race of the Vaal Classic track eight race meeting today and Wayne looks the one to beat

This Lucky Houdalakis-trained Vercingetorix gelding won his second start over 1400m, beating the promising Jaffa, and he followed up with an easy win over 1475m. He disappointed last time in the Gr 3 Got The Greenlight Stakes over 1400m, but he had a wide draw and was up against some of the country’s best three-year-olds. Interestingly, the only horse he beat home in that race, his stablemate Agoge, came out and won next time out. Wayne should relish the step up in trip as he out of an unraced Tiger Ridge daughter of Fort Wood mare Carolina Cherry, who won the Gold Circle Oaks. Wayne sneaks into the handicap carrying the minimum weight and has drawn 4 out 7 runners with Muzi Yeni up. Birthright has disappointed in his last two starts and has a wide draw, but he’ll appreciate the step back up in trip to 1600m meters and he is off a competitive mark. Hopefully he can overcome the draw to get into a handy to front-running position. Tenjiku has been a bit disappointing lately, but he now has Craig Zackey aboard and could bounce back. Beynac is capable of a good performance and Callan Murray up gives him a chance. Player is capable of earning on his day. Hotarubi is talented but frustratingly unreliable. However, he has his 3rd run for Chris Jonker and the change of environment could perhaps help him.

In the first leg of the Pick 6, a Maiden Plate over 1600m, Indian Spice has improved with blinkers and gets a good opportunity to prevail here over an ideal trip from a good draw of three. Smuggler ran fifth, beaten 5,40 lengths, when stepped up to 1600m second time out and as the winner was the talented Agoge he could have the ability to earn here, although on the downside he has a tough draw of nine. Millennium Warrior was 2,30 lengths behind Smuggler in that race and could possibly earn here. Palace Guard has shown enough to able to earn here. Underdog and Terrence are others to consider for places.

In the second leg, a MR 91 Handicap for fillies and mares, Future Date is a progressive sort and can overcome a four point raise for her good win last time as she is thriving over middle distances and has a good draw. Futura’s progeny are capable of continual improvement. Dimako’s Jet beat Future Date the last time they met and is now 1kg better off, so has the latter held on paper, but Future Date strikes as one who is on the up and she can defy that form. Art Nouveau is 1.5kg better off with Future Date for a one length beating. Boom Boom has the potential to be a runner here as she is distance suited and has a fair draw. Todoque could be dangerous from pole position.

In the fifth race over 1800m Duchess Of Paloma has caught the eye lately as one with plenty of scope and she has a fine chance from pole position. Lady Blunt is in cracking form and will love this trip so can go close from draw five. Rosy Lemon is another one who could have a shout as she is admirably consistent especially against her own gender. Kensal Green was thrashed by Duchess Of Paloma last October, but has run two good races since and can’t be ignored.  Chickasaw and Surprise Party are hard to ignore.

In the seventh over 1450m Peregrine Falcon is knocking hard and could earn over a suitable trip if able to overcome a draw. Monkey Puzzle has shown enough to be able to earn in this line up. Longsword is capable of a strong finish and could be in the shake up. Gulf Of America won well in the maidens and the form has been franked. Never Never Land won well last time and Gavin Lerena stays up off a three point higher mark.

In the eighth over 1000m Precocious, who had some fair form in Cape Town, won well last time and can follow up off an 86 merit rating. Magic Carpet Ride is capable of a much better showing than her last two and can bounce back over the minimum trip. Blindfire has pace and with a 1,5kg claimer up has a chance here.

In the first over 1800m Falconfly should relish the step up in trip and can go close from draw 2.

In the second over 1600m Utsaah will be hard to beat if repeating her last performance, which was the first time she had run in blinkers.