Stanley’s Sparrow stands out on a tricky Vaal card
GOOD START: FERREIRA LOOKING FOR A BIG DAY AT THE VAAL
Queenie and Psychic could guide the punters.
Abumper 10-race programme is presented to punters at the Vaal tomorrow, and the stand out Win bet comes up in Race 4, a Maiden Plate over 1400m up the straight.
Newly turned three-year-old Little Sparrow stayed on pleasingly for third place after finding betting support on her sprint debut, and the form of that juvenile race has held up solidly.
Stanley Ferreira’s Var filly seems likely to appreciate the extra distance, and meets a very moderate bunch on exposed form. With just natural improvement she should prove too strong for the opposition here, and is likely to go off a warm favourite.
The mare Pachanga looks the main danger. She only made her debut as a four-year-old last December, but has placed in her last five appearances. Her winning turn is overdue, but she seems likely to find one too good once again.
Of the raced runners the only other one to appeal is Soul Of Wit, who has two respectable showings to her credit.
There are four unraced threeyear-olds, and obviously any significant betting support should be respected in such a moderate heat.
Trainer Ferreira will be looking for a fast start to the day, as he also holds strong chances in race 1 (Rockstar Child) and Race 2 (Alpine Glacier).
Rockstar Child’s best performances position wise have been a brace of thirds in workrider contests, and he should go close in the opening maiden plate in that class over 1400m.
On current form he has to be a huge runner, as potential rival if at best Camel Walk has been badly out of sorts in recent appearances, and the only other credible threat on exposed form is Pachacuti, who makes his 25th attempt to win a race.
Alpine Glacier also has a lively chance, but is in an open looking contest, with top weight Torre Del Oro, Great Shaka and Pillaroftheearth all looking lively contenders.
The value bet comes up in Race 5, where limited but reliable mare Queenie looks overdue to score a third career win in this FM66 handicap.
Both her previous victories were scored at this course, and with 52kg and a top rider in Muzi Yeni, everything seems in her favour.
Pretty Popular, Ponchielli, Kick Butt and Sammi Moosa among others all look capable of challenging.
Another of the better bets is in Race 7. Psychic is in top form, and has improved steadily since winning his maiden race. He was only given a two-point adjustment for his latest win and could well follow up.