Bet on Charlotte in CT
IMPOSING: FILLY HAS FACED FAR STRONGER AND LOVES DURBANVILLE
Best bet Dubula looks to have Race 8 at his mercy.
The FM 82 Handicap over 1400m provides an intriguing puzzle at Durbanville tomorrow.
At first glance Race 7 and the last leg of the Jackpot is a highly competitive affair, but on closer inspection top weight Cape Charlotte’s winning prospects begin to shine very brightly.
Crucially this Patrick Kruyertrained filly absolutely loves this track, with two wins and two seconds from five appearances, as opposed to a single runner up berth in six attempts at Kenilworth.
That effort was a career-best one though, as she was ran a mile above her then 82 rating when runner up to Fresnaye in the Highlands Stud Stormsvlei Mile in May.
Given the maximum fourpoint increase for finishing second in a listed contest, she was again far from disgraced ending sixth, four lengths off easy winner Brave Move in another listed race - this time the Ladies Mile a month ago.
On both those runs she is far better than her current handicap mark, and despite an imposing looking 61,5kg should prove too classy for the far more limited rivals she meets here.
Favola looks the primary threat. She has finished strongly to win her last two races since donning blinkers, and carries under 50kg with apprentice Louis Burke taking off 4kg.
Spam Alert, Philae and Kamaishi make most appeal of the balance.
The meeting’s headliner is Race 2 – a MR 91 Handicap over the same trip, and plenty have chances.
Orakal would be a narrow first choice. He is unbeaten in two appearances here, and made a most encouraging return from a rest a few weeks ago when running on for second to the improving Grand Silvano.
From pole position with newly crowned Cape champion Aldo Domeyer up he has to be the one to beat.
Bottom weight Spectra Force is certain to throw down a lively challenge. Another good ride for Burke, he went start to finish here last time, and holds Orakal on their meeting in March, although our selection has improved markedly since.
Nasty Harry and Ready Steady Go are both better known as sprinters, but will be contenders if getting the extra distance, while Silver Master and the mare Samsara both love this trip and have to be considered as well.
You have to wait for the final event for the best bet of the day though.
From a plum inside draw and given his proven liking for Durbanville, Brett Crawfordtrained Dubula appears to have Race 8 at his mercy.