Odd Rob can do the job
THE Vaal track stages an eleven race meeting tomorrow and there could be one or two opportunities for punters on an otherwise competitive card.
An MR88 handicap over 1800m is the highest rated race on the card and forms the first leg of the Jackpot.
Odd Rob could be the one to side with. This seven-year-old by Mambo In Seattle has always had talent but appeared to have an aversion to being in front so his finishing run had to be timed right.
However, lately he has become ultra consistent and has won two of his last three so he has fulfilled his potential late in his career.
He proved last time he is effective over this trip, having generally raced over further, and off only a two point higher mark and a fair draw he can fly up to win again.
On paper Hakeem should beat him being 1,5kg better off for a mere 0,4 length beating but he is the sort who needs a good draw as he likes to sit handy.
If he has some luck from a draw of six out of nine he will be right there.
Divine Odyssey has ability and has dropped to a competitive merit rating over what should be an ideal trip.
In the first leg of the PA Mighty And Magic is coming into his own in the typical style of a son of Twice Over and is a proven stayer so is the one to beat under Hewitson.
Village Deep
Village Deep was only just touched off by a fair staying sort in Earth Sky last time and he now has pole position.
Highlander can be relied on to be running on and it is tough to ignore the topweight Brand New Cadillac, who is a decent stayer, as well as the improving Festive Linngari.
Kurt’s Approval also warrants consideration in his first attempt at a staying trip.
In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 2000m Spring Poetry was raised four points for her win last time over this trip but has a fair draw and could follow up as she is coming into her own.
The ultra consistent Sunshine Silk has to be included.
Guns And Roses has always been one with talent so is interesting over this step up in trip being by Trippi, whose progeny have speed but can stay too.
Seville Orange is improving and has good form and can be considered despite a tough draw. It is hard to ignore Pilgrim's Progress who is course and distance suited.
In the sixth race over 1600m Electromagnetic has caught the eye before and is interesting with first time blinkers on, although it is his second run after a layoff. Whosethebossnow was earmarked for big things at one stage and having dropped down to a mere 68 merit rating must come into the equation.
Ragoon
Ragoon won well last time and looks to be fulfilling his potential now so must be included.
In the seventh race over 1450m Royal Italian is made the value bet of the day.
He should be able to dictate in this small field and he showed last time he can kick well from the front and he is obviously improving too.
Polar Ice will be dangerous from a good draw over an ideal trip and those two should be enough for the exotics despite some other fair types being in the race.
The eighth over 1450m is the most competitive race on the card although Isovar does look to have a fine chance from pole position as she steps back to the trip of her maiden win having not been disgraced in stronger assessment plate races over shorter in her last two starts.
Florida Quays looks to have ability too and has her third run after a layoff off a reasonable opening mark having won her maiden well last time.
However, it is wide open and as many as possible should be included.
In the ninth race over 1200m Soul Of Whit has a tough draw but ran well in a strong assessment plate over this trip last time and being by Ideal World will be improving all the time.
Generous Notion has a shout too from a good draw if she bounces back from a disappointing run last time.
Written was raised only two points for her good last win over this trip and has a plum draw again under Hewitson.
Ancient Spirit has good form over this trip and is well drawn.
Parental Control can also be considered from a good draw.
The best bet comes in race ten over 1000m. Blonde Vision looks to have plenty of speed so should enjoy the step down in trip and she can outclass them off an 84 merit rating.