Pick 6 at Vaal is the way to go

Jack Milner

A Pick 6 looks the way to go for punters at the Vaal today where racing is on the Classic track, and although it looks unlikely to pay out a telephone number dividend, it looks very catchable.

There appears to be an outand-out banker in Race 3 where Alec Laird saddles three-yearold Trippi gelding Ragoon. He has only run twice and after an ordinary debut effort over 1400m at the Vaal, he improved markedly on his next start over 1450m on the Inside track at Turffontein to run a 1.70-length third behind Carbon Atom.

He now runs over 1600m which looks ideal. He is drawn No 5 and has Raymond Danielson up. Bookmakers have taken no chances with Ragoon and have priced him up at 5-10. If you are looking to beat him the only other runner to consider is Ready To Strike who is at 7-2. They are betting 12-1 and upwards the rest.

Race 4 looks to be a two-horse race between Stormborne Thunder and Pin Up Fold. Those who follow Piere Strydom’s column on a Saturday morning will have read that he has quite a high opinion of Australianbred Stormborne Thunder who he rode on debut.

He felt the Mike and Adam Azzie-trained filly would need further and today she is lining up over 2400m – and Strydom is back aboard. She has already shortened in to 11-10 but if you are looking for back-up then Pin Up Fold looks the only danger.

Jika has been scratched from Race 6 so four horses – Alssakhra, Mambo Symphony, Lord Silverio and Querari Viking should see you through.

Tortola – another Strydom ride – could be a possible banker in Race 7 but you could add in Rubix as back-up. Race 8 could also be a two-horse race with Dawn Flight and Empress Valley but it could be worth including Maneater.

Race 5 is tough but by going light in the other races that leaves bettors with enough funds to load that leg.