3 minute read
Race 1
Race Summary: Exciting start to the meeting as there are 10 first-timers, many with fast pedigrees. The two raced runners, TAKE NOTE and DASHING DUCHESS, are also well bred and are open to improvement after jumping slowly on debut. The pair have drawn well too. However, HURRICANE CAT is by Var and could be the filly to follow. She has drawn alongside the raced runners. Richard Fourie has been booked to ride New Predator filly LITTLEBLACKGEM and she could be the one to attract betting support. Follow the market closely.
Selections:
#3 Hurricane Cat, #9 Littleblackgem, #1 Take Note, #2 Dashing Duchess
Race 2
Race Summary: COLD SHINE didn't give of her best in a valuable race in her second start, but she had drawn toward the standside and that run is best ignored. She ran well first time out and having drawn well on local debut should go well. KOLA TONIC finished ahead of COLD SHINE but has also disappointed after a fair debut. He may have improved during a rest. GROVEFIELD is promising and even though handing weight to most, could be dangerous with improvement sure to come. Things didn't go right for IBHELE last time. He can only improve. CHINABERRY's win has been well franked - watch out.
Selections:
#1 Cold Shine, #3 Grovefield, #9 Chinaberry, #2 Kola Tonic
Race 3
Race Summary: GORGEOUS GIRL has improved with each start and relished this distance going close behind a well backed winner last time. She rates the form choice. VALLI GAL has the form needed to open her account but she has also disappointed. She finally secures a decent draw at this venue and could get into a good position. FLORAL FANTASY ran a convincing race on the poly last time but has drawn widest back on turf. NTOMBENHLE, JOAN THE WAD and LONG STREET are all capable of getting a good blow in this one.
Selections:
#7 Gorgeous Girl, #2 Valli Gal, #8 Floral Fantasy, #1 Ntombenhle
Race 4
Race Summary: There shouldn't be much to choose between PAPA C, PONGOLA and SHOEFELLA. All three ran decent races over this track and trip recently but PAPA C is probably the most consistent and could keep his head in front for the win. Stable companion CONNOISSEUR ran out an easy winner in his first start as a gelding and from a decent draw this time could be hard to catch on handicap debut. PONGOLA and SHOEFELLA had valid excuses in their last starts and either could score an overdue win. CANFORD ICE, FUTURE OF ENERGY and RELEASE ME all could give cheek in a tough contest.
Selections:
#7 Papa C, #2 Connoisseur, #5 Pongola, #4 Canford Ice
Race 5
Race Summary: Even though over-racing in her last start GELSOMINA almost got the job done. She may be versatile having won on both turf and poly but she isn't too consistent. KITTEN'S ADVENTURE and OH SO SQUISHY both have looked dangerous and need to be taken seriously. AQUAE SULIS came in for betting support in a few of her runs before a rest but needs to find more for the win. She has been rested and could suddenly come alive. LEOPARD LADY is another that has promised more wins and probably just needs a bit of luck. NONOTI can get into the money on current form.
Selections:
#10 Kitten's Adventure, #7 Gelsomina, #11 Oh So Squishy, #5 Aquae Sulis
Race 6
Race Summary: LADY LACEWING did better with a drop in ratings last time. She has drawn well and is back at her best track so could turn in a bold performance. Michael Roberts has a strong hand with FABULOUS who has the best of the draws and KAILENE who should run well having dropped in ratings. The latter is also at her best over this course and distance. MVULUZANA could get away if allowed to but SWEET SYMPHONY, AFRICAN FOLKLORE and BLUE HORIZON could make it tough for her. CAPETOWN BEAUTY has shown class in the past but needs to step up on her form at this venue.
Selections:
#2 Lady Lacewing, #5 Kailene, #1 Fabulous, #7 Mvulazana
Race 7
Race Summary: KING OF THE GAULS is back home after running in some tough races in the Cape. He showed something like his true potential in a competitive race last time and is the one to watch. CABINET SHUFFLE was eye catching in a high-class Pinnacle Stakes last time and if confirming could be dangerous. He is one from one over the course and distance. LUNARCAM loves this course and is hard to catch when in front. But he has more to do at this level and will also need to find a few lengths on HITHEMHARDSUNSHINE on their last meeting. Most are useful, it's set up to be a thriller.
Selections:
#7 King Of The Gauls, #5 Cabinet Shuffle, #8 Hithemhardsunshine, #6 Lunarcam
Race 8
Race Summary: NOW I GOT YOU seems to reserve his best for this track, despite not winning, but could be in the right race. He also has a 4kg apprentice claim to lighten the load. MAR DEL PLATA won his maiden well enough to suggest there is more in the tank. He has drawn well but will need to break on terms. EL DRAQUE was entitled to turn in a below-par run last time. He was consistent prior and carrying a light weight could be right there to the end. NORTHERN WARRIOR is looking to make it three in a row. NAVAJO DANCER and INTREPID are capable and not ones to take lightly.
Selections:
#7 Now I Got You, #1 Mar Del Plata, #3 El Draque, #8 Northern Warrior
Best Win: #7 GORGEOUS GIRL
Best Value Bet: #2 LADY LACEWING
Best Longshot: #2 LADY LACEWING
