Apprentice Julius Mphanya is expected to make good use of his light weight

Trainer Barend Botes is having a good season and his charge Musical Man could be of some value in Race 8, a Mr 66 Handicap over 1200m.

The Horse Chestnut gelding found some nice form when winning twice last year. In April he beat Woza Madoda by 2.75 lengths and then a month later he thrashed Mendoza’s Melody by 2.50 lengths.

Both of those wins were over 1400m at this track. Clearly something went amiss with him as he only returned to the racetrack earlier this month.

Musical Man showed some early pace before folding at the finish. The drop down in distance is likely to suit Musical Man and Botes has put up the 4kg claimer Julius Mphanya which suggests they are going to let him stride out front.

Australian import Martha’s Vineyard let us down last time out but she clearly found 1200m short of ideal. She was making late progress and was only 2.70 lengths behind Ponchielli.

This three-year-old filly will appreciate the step up to 1400m in Race 6, a FM 68 Handicap and jockey Anthony Delpech has stuck with her, which is a good sign.

Earlier on the card it could be worth taking the double Frederico’s Dream in Race 3 and Twice A Dancer in Race 4. Frederico’s Dream produced a sparkling debut and looked an unlucky loser when touched off by Let It Flow over 1200m at the Vaal earlier this month.

The Gimmethegreenlight filly returns to the course and distance and is likely to be a lot smarter this time. Jockey Piere Strydom is riding at the top of his game and has been given another chance aboard her.

Her rivals look only modest types and Playing Games could be the best of the balance of those that have run before. Watch the betting on newcomers My Trouble and Ice Art.

Race 4 does look a bit of a match race with Ohio and Twice A Dancer looking head and shoulders better than the balance of the field.

Ohio has shown himself to be very one-paced so preference is for Twice A Dancer.

The Twice Over colt has not run badly in his three starts and will more than likely appreciate this 1600m.