Unfortunately, this is not a card I found particularly inspiring.
Race 1: Maiden 1200m
Very weak work riders race. Support at race time for #8 IRON FIST (14-10) would be significant.
Race 2: Maiden 1200m
Weak field.
#6 INVENTRIX (22-10) sets the standard and she jumps from a good draw so looks to be the right favourite. #9 OUTLAW (33-10) ran well on debut, but that was a weak race and she didn’t exactly catch my eye when I watch the replay. She’s a runner in this weak field, but not one I can have confidence in. #8 MRS BROWNING (3-1) is a full sister to Aragosta who who won his first race over 1600m and then won a Derby, so 1200m might be far too quick for her. #5 ACT OF MERCY gets the best of the draw, but she’s very moderate.
#6 INVENTRIX looks the one to beat, but this is a weak field and one should play to small stakes.
Race 3: Novice Handicap 1450m
Wide open.
I don’t fancy anything, although I wouldn’t exclude #6 SHIKOKU (10-1) from tote bets despite her having won a weak race last time. She starts the handicaps from a lowly mark and 1450m is an ideal trip.
Many with a chance.
Race 4: 84 Handicap 1500m
This 1600m is probably still on the short side for #7 SAGE KING (6-1) as he’ll go 2000m in time, but his first race in Gauteng was a promising one over 1450m and he’s still unexposed and has scope, so he is a weak first choice here. #1 BOLD JAZZ (25-1) has not been at his best, but he’s taken on strong fields and his rating is down to an 86 from a 103 just over a year ago. His wins have come at around this trip and from a good draw he could upset a field like this, especially as the weight difference between top and bottom weight is only 6 kgs. #3 ROHA (11-2) gets the best draw and she’s holding form well. Big runner.
Race 5: 78 handicap 2600m
I don’t bet on staying races.
Race 6: 72 Handicap 1800m
The market has this as a two horse race and I agree with that.
#1 LET THERE BE LIGHT (2-1) was heavily supported when winning last week. She travelled well just behind the leader and kicked clear of her field off the false rail and just kept rolling. This drop back to 1800m looks ideal and she drops right down to E Division class too. #5 DARK TRAVEL (14-10) is holding her form well. She was 2nd to a subsequent winner last time and this trip looks ideal for her.
Hard to separate them, but I prefer #1, especially as she is a bigger price than #5. I can’t see anything else winning this.
Race 7: 89 Handicap 1800m
No opinion.
Race 8: Classified 1800m
Another wide open race. I would not leave #4 BLONDE ACT (20-1) out of tote bets.
