The Vaal straight course hosts an eight race meeting today which offers both on-the-nose and exotic punters a chance to make a profit.

In the first race Master Archie has plenty of natural speed and has been in the mix in three strong sprint races in Cape Town so if he brings his ‘A game’ in his first run on the Highveld he will go close. Lulu’s Boy has improved and also has some pace so looks to be the main danger. Swingthewillow has champion workrider Joe Gingwizha up and should also be in the shake up. Jet Cat is a log time maiden who places often and he can earn again too. The first-timer French Rebel is by Rebel King out of an Australian-bred Danehill Dancer mare who won easily over this course and distance second time out as a juvenile but never won again and has not produced a winner yet from two runners. However, Paul Peter-trained first-timers appearing in workriders’ events always have to be respected.

The second race over 1200m could fall to the William Longsword colt Dyce who made a good debut when finishing just 1,10 lengths behind the decent Pyromaniac over this trip. He was a head behind William Robertson in that race but has a nice high draw here and Lucky Houdalakis yard horses usually come on from their first runs. William Robertson was a bit short of room in the aforementioned race and can do even better so it should be an intriguing duel.

In the third race over 1200m Mama Tembu was tailed off on debut over 1160m when green but ran on well for a six length sixth in a relatively good time. The form has worked out well with three winners coming out of the race to date. She is a half-sister to the Listed winner Zimbaba so has a good chance in this uninspiring field. Escape Artist was beaten 11,50 lengths on debut on Saturday over 1160m but the winner Big Burn looks to be an exciting prospect and Escape Artist did make some good late progress so could place here. Golden Aspen was not far behind the like of Follow Me, Freed From Desire and Eternity Ring last time so could also be in the shake up.

In the fourth race over 1000m French Joy showed fair pace on debut and did not find much extra in the closing stages so being fitter for the run she should improve and go close in an uninspiring field. Miss Magician has run two places in two starts in uninspiring fields and could be the chief danger. Smelting and Quick Run have shown some ability but the first-timers might represent bigger threats. Moonshingthrough is the more fancied of the first-timers in the market. She is by Rafeef and is a half-sister to twice-winning 86 rated KZN-based filly Purple Moon’s Up (What A Winter). However, Queen Of The North makes more appeal on pedigree. She is by What A Winter and is a half-sister to the like of three-times stakes-winning Silvano mare Platinum Class.

In the fifth race over 1000m Emerald Crest turned it on nicely over 1200m last time but shifted about and was demoted from second to third after an objection. If cheekpieces help her stay straight she can go close as they should also help her get into the race sooner over this shorter trip. Greens was raised six points for an easy win over this trip last time. However, that is alleviated by the 4kg claim of apprentice Xola Jacobs and she has the ability to go close. Glowtoria has a fine recod over this trip this season with an easy win last time following two close seconds. She has been given a six point raise but Gavin Lerena has stayed with her. Showdown Kid is an interesting runner as she has plenty of pace and could well have strengthened during her 131 day layoff being by Var out of a Fort Wood mare. Nina Amelia can’t be ignored either. She spread a shoe last time and can do better. Zodiac Princess could still improve and could also be right there.

David Thiselton
Image & Text: Gold Circle