David Thiselton

 

There is a seven race meeting at the Vaal today and all seven races are work riders maidens.

 

The outside rail is in by just two metres and this setup usually leads to high draws being favourable in the races down the straight, but often the jockeys go to the side where the winners come from and with a lot of the fancied horses drawn low it might lead to them seeking inside ground.

 

In the first race over 1000m, Master’s Lady has the best form but has drawn the potentially tricky number one draw. However, she has the accomplished rider Tobias Mango up. Caladrius has shown some ability and could be a threat from a nice high draw with the good rider Phenisile Mongqawa aboard.

 

In the second over 1000m the two-year-old filly Astrophile makes most appeal on form, having made a good debut, but she is another one with a low draw, although Mongqawa will aid her cause. Echoes Of War’s potentially favourable high draw could see him going close as he has shown ability and has the accomplished Savannah Valjalo up. The latter’s 1,5kg gender claim is a bonus.

 

In the third over 2000m, Epidaurus has drawn pole position and can go in as he has run three seconds in three starts between 1800m and 2000m.

 

In the fourth over 1500m Lolly Willowes has a low draw, but does not have much to beat and is the first choice. Global Royalty could be the biggest threat.

 

In the fifth over 1500m, Sam Mosia can help Steel Pier overcome a low draw. This colt by The United States has run well in his last two starts and they have shown him to have the ability to beat this field.

 

In the sixth over 1300m, Meghan’s Diamond ran well on her Highveld debut and can win this with Chamu Mabaya up.

 

The last race could go to A Roman Twist who looks capable of improvement and has Mongqawa up. Wish You Were Here and Glastonbury Fire should be in the shake up too.