Tough card at the Vaal
PUNTERS face a tough card at the Vaal tomorrow and many will be banking on Mike de Kock and Anthony Delpech to help them along. Delpech, former stable jockey to De Kock, has two rides for his former boss and both look to have outstanding chances.
The first comes in the opening leg of the PA where B Twenty One will be a popular choice.
She stays well and her last two wins have been over course and distance.
In fact, she is unbeaten in three outings over the trip and does come up against slightly weaker here.
However, Brian Wiid sends out Lee’s Pick, who although not featuring in the Gr1 SA Derby, was runner up in the Derby Trial to Vodacom Durban July runner Pagoda who finished second in the SA Derby.
That’s useful form and the gelding looks to be in with a strong chance.
Delpech and De Kock team up again in the Racing Association Handicap where High Seas Beauty looks primed for her second win.
The daughter of Epsom Derby winner High Chapparal has been restricted to sprints at recent outings and her pedigree suggests that this sevenfurlong trip would be more within her compass.
De Kock has a second strong to his bow here in Biblical Susan who, if ignoring her last effort when fading badly late, has some useful form.
She has Gavin Lerena aboard, fresh from a double at Scottsville on Sunday where he captained the Highveld Hawks to victory in the New Turf Carriers Rider Cup.
Delpech has picked up another strong ride in Khaleesi for Lucky Houdalakis in the eighth.
The filly has been in good form to stronger and although she does have a fair weight to shoulder she could prove a touch too good for this field.
St John Gray saddles his home-bred Burundi Bush who has been in top form.
She has a handy weight and looks capable of giving Khaleesi a run for her money.
Also in the scrum is Ponchielli who was not disgraced when taking on stronger last time out but will need to repeat to have a chance.
Sean Tarry is in the form of his life and Goodytwoshoes can add to his already bulging stakes tally.
The daughter of Mambo In Seattle has come good of late and looks to have more to come and a hattrick is on the cards.
A threat could be Beckoning who was much improved with the addition of blinkers and can follow up on her last win for St John Gray.
Also a danger may be Pearl Valley who was only caught late by Goodytwoshoes last time out.
She has a light weight and can go one better.