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Turffontein is the place to be on Saturday as there are no fewer than six features races in a competitive ten race meeting.
In the R150,000, Listed Storm Bird Stakes (1000m) Alfolk has a classy pedigree and won effortlessly on debut over 1000m so can follow up. His stablemate Punta Cana has scope for improvement too. Tribal Force, Barrack Street and Alpine Echo all possess speed aplenty but the De Kock pair look good enough to get punters through the exotics.
In The R150,000, Listed Ruffian Stakes (1000m) Kissable has tremendous cruising speed and has not been stopping at the line in her two facile wins over 800m and 1000m respectively. She looks impossible to oppose against those who have raced, although La Bella Mia is a typically progressive daughter of Gimmethegreenlight and could get closer to her this time.
The first-timer Eurythmics is a full sister to the Grade 1-winning sprinter Gulf Storm and receives 5kg from Kissable, so she could perhaps be included in the Jackpot.
The R150,000, Listed Bauhinia Handicap (1000m) could be won by last year’s Ruffian Stakes winner Exquisite Touch. In November she was beaten a length by Joan Ranger over 1160m, but if weight-for-age is included she is now effectively 3.5kg better off. Furthermore, she will enjoy the step down in trip. On the downside this is her first outing since returning from a disappointing run at Kenilworth over 1200m.
Joan Ranger has speed and a kick and will be a tough nut to crack. The consistent Crystal Glamour beat both of these horses in the aforementioned race last November. She is .,5kg worse off with Joan Ranger for a one length beating, so there is not much in it.
In the last leg of the Pick 6, the R150,000, Gold Rush Sprint (1100m), Clever Guy looks well handicapped on his last run. However, the main opposition there might well have had off days. Therefore, the progressive Raasmaal, who is having his third run after a layoff and going for a hattrick, should be considered for exotics.
In the first leg of the Pick 6, the R135,000, Sun Chariot Handicap (2450m), Silver Stripe can reverse form with Patchit Up Baby at the weights, although the latter will enjoy the long straight and can’t be ignored. Zafira is a big, classy stayer and is preferred for third ahead of the capable Zante and the disappointing Inaninstant.
The Egoli Mile looks wide open but Alaadel has been chosen. If he settles he should be affective over this trip and can beat Bold Viking and Copper Pot.
