WOODRUFF TO TAKE A TRIP TO TROY
Maujean replaces Lerena
THERE is a nine-race card at the Vaal today and although most of the races look competitive there are at least three runners on the day who are worth looking into.
The first of them is Trip To Troy in Race 2, a MR 90 Handicap over 1600m. The Geoff Woodruff-trained four-year-old does not win very often but has won twice in his 14 starts. This particular course and distance does suit him and his recent form is pretty good.
Trip To Troy was only narrowly beaten by an improved sort in the form of Wild Brier over 1700m. Jockey Chase Maujean replaces Gavin Lerena who rode him last time.
The main dangers appear to be Front Rank, Smartifact and Man’s Inn.
Trainer Weiho Marwing’s yard had a frustrating day on Tuesday with a number of well fancied runners not winning but some of them did not perform badly and Aramouse could be of some use in Race 6, a MR 90 Handicap over 1200m. The Kahal gelding always gives of his best and he does seem to enjoy a turf track.
Clearly Aramouse found 1000m too sharp last time and will be better suited to this distance.
His dangers are at the top of the weights Fieldmarshal Fenix and Just As I Said.
Shortstop let the side down recently when only third in his latest start but could be ready to win Race 8, a MR 66 Handicap over 1200m. Jockey Donavan Mansour may have let the Rebel King three-year-old go a little bit too soon and the colt did well to stay on for third behind Sleepinseattle.
That was over the 1400m so the drop in distance is likely to suit Shortstop. Lerena is carded to be aboard Roy Magner’s charge.
Among a number of other likely dangers both The Shredder and Casciano could run good races. The Shredder was only 0.60 lengths behind Casciano when they last met and is 1kg better off and could turn the tables.