Turffontein stages a nine race midweek meeting on the Inside track and some fair sorts are being turned out.

The most interesting event could be the eighth, a Graduation Plate over 1600m, which has attracted some Johannesburg Spring feature season hopefuls.

Anjaal showed the benefit of a breathing operation when easily winning over 1400m last April and he then split Mac De Lago and Rampant Ice when finishing a three length fourth in the KRA Guineas. However, he is an unreliable sort and has not set the world alight in two runs since gelding. However, he could perhaps bounce back to his best in his third run since the operation as he was not disgraced last time in the Jo’burg Spring Challenge over 1400m in a strong field, despite reportedly not striding out. He will appreciate the step up in trip and also has the blinkers back on. His draw of seven is tricky but Anthony Delpech is likely to find him a good position in the running.

MLJet is a talented but disappointing sort. However, he did stay on well last time from the front without blinkers when only three lengths behind the brilliant Same Jurisdiction over 1400m at Scottsville and the headgear remains off. He also has a first-time tongue tie and a perfect draw of two over a suitable trip. He has the benefit of having had a run in both August and September and could be a threat, but he has not won since opening his account with two victories as a juvenile.

Front Rank showed his class in the KZN Breeders Million when going within 0,35 lengths of Bezanova when receiving only 4,5kg. That run proved he is capable of running above his 88 merit rating, so he can’t be written off.

Another interesting event is the seventh, a MR 80 Handicap over 1000m, as the progressive Thrust will attempt to make it four in a row. He can progress further and will be running on strongly but his wide draw might just be his undoing. Will Pays is a talented sort who has a combination of speed and gears so he is the selection from an ideal pole position draw off a merit rating of 82 which he can still rise above. Isca has a lot of class but is returning from a six month layoff and his wide draw and topweight might find him out in the closing stages. Lady Al has had genuine excuses in some of her recent runs so can place here from a good draw off a lowered merit rating with a 1,5kg claimer up. Dream Leader is 1kg better off for a 0,5 length beating by Thrust so could earn.

The meeting begins with an intriguing Workrider’s fillies and mares Maiden over 1800m. Racey J stayed on over 1400m on debut and looks likely to relish the step up in trip on both racing style and pedigree. Peg O’ My Heart could challenge if jumping on terms as she lost three lengths last time so did well to finish just 6,25 lengths back in decent maiden field over 2000m. Fortissima had to be urged along virtually all the way over 1400m last time and could be interesting if the penny drops over a step up in trip she will appreciate.

Spurwing Summer choked up over 2000m last time but has some fair form over this trip. Rose Of Castille beat Peg O’My Heart narrowly last time but is a temperamental and unreliable sort.

In the second is a Maiden over 1200m and Perepetual Silence was green when making an eyecatching debut so should take care of those to have raced from a fair draw. Atso Cool, draw in pole under Fortune, showed pace over 1000m last time but found no extra.  Red Special has run well over this trip before and could earn. There are two interesting first-timers. Lunar Approach is by Right Approach out of a four-time winning Doowaley mare from 1600-1800m and he is drawn well in two. Miracle Bureau is by Trippi out of a Listed six=time winner by National Emblem, but he does have a tough draw.

In the third, a Maiden for fillies over 1450m, Monarch Air will be attempting to qualify for the Emperor’s palace Ready To Run Cup so will need a big run and should run a big race having only just failed when charging home over 1200m last time out. Fortune has kept the ride. However, the well-bred Silvano filly Bella Sonata, who is a half-sister to the winner of two Gr 2s in Britain, looks to have more scope for improvement having finished strongly over 1200m on debut to be just 2,8 lengths behind a well regarded sort.

The fourth is a MR 84 Handicap over 1800m for three-year-olds and the easy winner last time Samurai Blade look to be the one to beat. Off To Gaul and Scheme of Things could be the dangers.

The fifth is a MR 76 handicap for fillies and mares over 1800m. Gain Ground looks a fair sort in the making and is only 0,5kg under sufferance so could win as long she doesn’t over race like she did last time over 1600m. The improving Paris Princess took well to course and distance last time and is now only four points higher in the merit ratings for the victory. Sisters Of Mercy appears to have breathing issues but is a talented sort who goes well for Gavin lerena.

The sixth is a Conditions Plate over 1000m and Drifting Dusk, who strikes as one with plenty of class, is drawn ideally so is the one to side with carrying only 52kg. Kwinta has speed and class and is drawn in pole so will be a threat. Sarve has performed well against some of the best and could earn despite having to carry 60kg. Winter Star makes most appeal of the rest.

The ninth is a Maiden over 1600m and Liege has caught the eye before so could win with a strong late run from a wide draw. Gladiatore looks set to go close from pole position over a suitable course and distance. Elusive Seven is another one who should be running on from a wide draw.

By David Thiselton

Picture: Will Pays (Nkosi Hlophe)