Jockey Zechner to blow hot at the Vaal
Rocky Night and Josie stand out as good bets
BIG fields are the order of the day at the Vaal today but there are a few bright prospects on the eight-event card that can be used in All To Come Win bets and Doubles.
Dorrie Sham-trained Rocky Night (Karl Zechner) looks poised to strike in Race 2, a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1 200m. This son of Seventh Rock was an encouraging fourth on debut from a slow start at Turffontein over 1 160m. Zechner takes the ride again and with the experience from that run the colt will be tough to beat.
His rivals are Deerupt and first-timers Forries At Five and Winter Storm.
Zechner could follow up in Race 3 aboard Lucky Houdalakis-trained Josie, who contests a 1 200m Maiden Juvenile Plate (Fillies). This Mambo In Seattle filly showed her hand on debut with Zechner up when running on strongly in a field of 17 over the course and distance and finishing a one-length second. She should top the betting this time and is unlikely to miss.
Next best are Huddle, Anneka, Ruby Dancer, On The Double and Saints Alive.
Though up against a fullhouse field, St John Graytrained Camel Walk (Raymond Danielson) could be up to the task in Race 4, a Maiden Plate over 1 400m. Friendless in the betting on debut, the three-yearold came from near last in a field of 16 to run a 1.25-length fourth over 1 600m at the Vaal. The colt was not disgraced next time when staying on as a 1.8-length runner-up over 1 200m at the same venue. Danielson will be aboard for the first time and the colt could go one better over the extra distance.
Best of the others are Condor Gulch, Boscastle, Stop And Stare, Timkat and Dreamsaremadeof.