Race 1: Maiden Juvenile 1450m
Little separates #2 DESTINY OF SOULS (9-10) and #5 MO JIVE (2-1) on their debut run. When I watch the replay it does appear that #2 is staying on a little stronger at the end and I therefore prefer him over #5. The rest of the raced form is very weak, so it may lie with one of the first-timers to bring the greatest threat to my selection.
Race 2: Maiden Juvenile 1450m
Rumours abounded about the ability of #4 FEATHER BOA (18-10) on her debut and she was heavily traded to start 1-1. She never looked threatening though and always appeared bustled by the quick track around the bend over 1200m. Immediately stepped up in trip in keeping with her breeding, we are likely to see a far better performance on this more galloping track and she looks the one to beat. #10 TAYOOBA finished 1L in front of #4 on her debut. She pecked out the pens and got caught at the back from her outside draw. She made a good finish up the middle of the track. My concern with her is that is by the speedy sire Var out of a decent sprinting mare, so whilst I’m not saying she definitely won’t enjoy the step up in trip, I will look to oppose her as the 15-10 favourite as her stamina needs to be proven. #3 EMIRATE GINA (6-1) ran to a decent level of ability in her first three starts, but she’s been regressive in her last two runs and that has to be a concern, whilst #6 KILL SHOT (5-1) and #9 SOUTHERN STYLE (7-1) do have some form but have already shown they are limited types.
Race 3: Maiden Plate 1600m
A weak field.
#1 QUEST FROM AFAR (13-10) has disappointed as an odds on Fav in 4/7 starts and it’s impossible to have any confidence in her. This field lacks depth so she will be involved in the finish, but her stamina has looked stretched over this sort of trip so I’m a little surprised the stable haven’t waited for a 1400m. She’s a big runner, but I could never back her. #9 SKYFULL (22-10) is a 2yr old who’s showed some improvement stepped up to 1600m in keeping with her breeding. She’s also very limited, but looks the main threat to the Fav. #2 MAYENNE (22-10) has some siblings with decent ability, but she’s very moderate and this step up to 1600m smacks of desperation on the stables part to conjure a win out of her. Her siblings have virtually all been sprinters, so this trip could stretch her stamina.
Race 4: Maiden Plate 1600m
Another weak field with limited types.
#1 MASTER OF COIN (3-1) disappointed last time after changing stables. The track was good to soft that day and there’s no doubt he’s run his best races on a sound surface. On his best runs he would certainly have the measure of this field. He’s been gelded since his last run and that could bring about the required improvement. #7 LIBECCIO (7-2) is an unexposed 2yr old who’s breeding suggests he’s going to relish this step up to 1600m. He’s looked rushed in his two sprint races and this extra ground on this galloping track should bring improvement out of him. #4 PARKER GETRIX (13-2) has disappointed a few times now, so although he travels strongly in his races he has failed to go through with those efforts to finish his race off to win. #6 ELECTRIC GOLD (22-10 FAV) has shown his limitations already despite only having had two runs. He’s no certainly to even want to go this far based on his breeding and I’m happy to oppose him as the Fav.
Race 5: 72 Handicap 1600m
Wide open.
#8 BLONDE ACT (16-1) took 10 runs to break his maiden, but he did improve with blinkers on for the first time last time and he may just be able to follow up if he can overcome his wide draw. # 7 VAN DER BILT (7-1) showed good improvement after a change of stable and with the blinkers fitted. He’s related to a very good horse in Summer Pudding and he could have scope to keep improving now. #11 TRIPLE DECKER (12-1) won his maiden over CD and was competitive off this mark in his first run in a handicap. He should be well positioned from his good draw to be involved in the finish. #14 SILLY FELLA runs honest races without getting in front. I expect he’ll be involved in the finish again from his good draw at 2, but he’s only won 1/25 starts and is not the type I’d like to back at his shortish price. #12 RIVER JORDAN (16-1) has failed to get into contention for a long time now, but he’s won 2 races over this trip and he’s mark has come a long way down now from a 79 to a 59.
Race 6: 84 Handicap 1450m
Very open and I don’t fancy anything at all.
Race 7: 90 Handicap 1450m
#14 PRINCESS PHILIPPA (10-1) has been rested since a promising first run in a handicap last time. She’s curiously been dropped 4 points after that and as the only 3yr old here she has more scope for improvement than her opposition. That fomline has also worked out really well, so she looks a value play at the price. #6 LUCY IN THE SKY (6-1) gets the plumb draw at 1 over a CD where it is a big advantage and it’s interesting that this filly has only ever gone beyond sprints once previously in her career. She’s bred to be suited by it, so although she did get a 4 point penalty for her last run she looks a big runner here. #3 FROMHERETOETERNITY (6-1) AND #9 SAY WHEN (12-1) are the other runners I respect.
Race 8: 74 Handicap 1450m
#3 EMERALD PRINCESS (28-10) was given a very poor ride by today’s jockey in her last start. She really should have won that day and from the advantageous 1 draw the jock gets a chance to make amends today. I don’t see any value in her at her current price, but she should go very close to winning this. #1 CALL THE WIND (33-10) is an unbeaten filly from Zimbabwe who’s relocated to SA. She’s been beating small fields in Zimbabwe and it’s tough to know where she fits in here on handicap terms, but Zimbabwe form has held up well in SA before and she can’t be knocked until we know where she fits in here. #10 TOTO’S DREAM (12-1) could enjoy this drop back in trip.
