STRIKER TO TRAVEL BLUE DIAMOND ROAD

Course and distance suited

CLEARLY Blue Diamond Road is not an easy horse to win on as he has only won once in 16 starts, but his recent form is good and he can win Race 8, a MR 66 Handicap over 1400m at the Vaal today.

Trainer Alec Laird and jockey Piere Strydom do not team up as much as they used to but they are a formidable team when they do. This Mogok gelding looks just the type of horse who will suit Strydom’s style of riding.

Blue Diamond Road has run very well over this course and distance in his last two starts. A narrow defeat by Vulcan was followed up by a decent third behind Bold Coast.

Snow In Seattle won his maiden race in January over this track and trip and his form since suggests he is improving.

This Mambo In Seattle three-year-old won his latest start last week over 1200m at this track and despite a penalty should again fight out the finish.

Just A Gigolo is not the most reliable of horses and tends to shy away badly from the crop so is a difficult ride. He won his last start but will need to overcome a four-point penalty.

Earlier on the card is where the money could be made at this meeting as Race 1 really does look a match between Surcharge and Zerodarkthirty.

Surcharge came to the course with a huge reputation and made good late progress when runner-up behind Down To Zero on debut so he is the preference.

Zerodarkthirty represents a red-hot combination of trainer Sean Tarry and jockey S’manga Khumalo. This Black Minnaloushe colt is crying out for a longer trip but has not been disgraced, having finished runner-up in all three starts to date.

AP Arrow filly Chapati in Race 3 has been disappointing in that she has flattered to deceive.

Her form has been pretty consistent and jockey Strydom will have learnt a lot about her after riding her last time out.

Possibly the best bet on the card is Thru Thic And Thin in Race 4.

The Crusade filly is likely to be smarter than she was on debut and her debut was pretty good.

Thru Thic And Thin was third behind Celestina who won again on Sunday. South African Champion Jockey log leader Anthony Delpech has retained the ride.