HIGHVELD SAND CHALLENGE (Listed) - Straight fight between TAPTAP MAKHATINI and UNCLE TOMMY

The first of a host of Gauteng features this week looks to be a contest between TAPTAP MAKHATINI and UNCLE TOMMY. Both horses drop in class and their current form must be totally respected. Last time out, the Sean Tarry trained TAPTAP MAKHATINI found a good finish to win the Riverside handicap over shorter at this track. He has an impressive record this course and distance where he has won four of his six starts. His latest start was his first run in six months and would have needed that run. He should strip fitter this afternoon and is certainly the one to beat. Jockey Piere Strydom has piloted him to four of his six wins and the yard is bang in form, as they always are, at the time of the big races in the main centres of the country.

UNCLE TOMMY returns from a brief spell in Durban where he won one from four races, two of which were on the polytrack. His latest run was not his best of those four, but he has run well this course and distance. Jockey Marco Van Rensburg has ridden him once and that was when he made the trip to Greyville, the night he won on the polytrack. Last time they met was in September where UNCLE TOMMY finished ahead of TAPTAP MAKHATINI by over six lengths. TAPTAP MAKHATINI is 5kg worse off but looks to be ready to make further improvement.

Trainer Mike De Kock sends out OLYMPIC BOLT who takes on stronger but can count himself unlucky last time as the jockey lost his rein briefly. Can run into the money.

Others that may sneak stake money are THE ROYAL RUMBA and GREEN ROCK 

Betting supplied by MBet