SAHorseracing.com
SAHorseracing.com
Lunar Tunes sounds like a value bet at Durbanville

As tends to be the norm at this course, the fields are small but competitive and exotics bets often pay more than punters expect.

There are a few possible bankers on the card but on closer inspection, many of them have a few luring dangers to face.

In Race 4 White Lace will have her supporters after competing in the Listed Irridescence Stakes last time out. She is back in maiden company and on breeding, this three-year-old filly should love the move up to 1800m. However, the sixth-place finish in the feature, in which she was beaten 5.25 lengths by Third Runway, does not tell the full story.

There were only seven runners in that line-up and the filly who finished at the back of the field, was eased out of the race as the jockey felt something amiss. One is not sure how strong the form was as there have been no winners from that race.

Vaughan Marshall’s charge will have to jump from barrier No 8 of the eight runners and jockey MJ Byleveld will have to use all his skills to overcome that draw.

At this stage of their careers, four-year-olds have a slight weight advantage over the youngsters in plate races and for that reason, Lunar Tunes could provide the better value. She also tries 1800m for the first time but this filly has not had the luck of the draw at this course and this time she has the benefit of pole position.

Warren Kennedy had to make a lot of use of her last time to overcome No 12 draw but on this occasion he should be able to place her.

Honey Pie was a runaway winner of her Maiden Plate last time, beating Howl by six lengths. Justin Snaith’s charge is likely to have her fans as a banker but there are two concerns. Firstly, she won in very heavy going and could be the proverbial “mudlark”, and secondly, Tattooed Rocker also won easily over the same course and distance in the same conditions in almost the same time.

Again, Candice Bass-Robinson’s charge is a four-year-old and could just be a little stronger at this stage of her career.

It could be worth including Snaith’s other runner, Elusive Fortune, in all bets. She has won at this course, has Greg Cheyne up, and jumps from barrier No 1.

Sleeping Single is going for four in a row in Race 6 and she could also be a possible banker but if one ignores Water Spirit’s last effort, which was clearly below her ability, Brett Crawford’s runner must be in with a chance.

The banker could come in Race 8 with Rio Querrari, who is coming back from a 129-day layoff. He loves this course and comes in with just 52kg on his back.

Tab News 

© 2009 SAHorseracing.com. All rights reserved.