Congo worth exploring

The Andre Nel outfit has been in hot form of late and can get punters off to a flying start in Race 1 over 1600m at Kenilworth today.

Congo Compaq was always up with the speed last time after being fitted with blinkers but had to settle for third a mere neck off Peaceful Day.

This Time Thief colt now gets the services of recently returned Aldo Domeyer for the first time and from a decent draw has an excellent chance of shedding his maiden ticket.

He looks the best bet on a tricky card but isn’t without some opposition, as both August Leaves and Winter Tango have the form to threaten, although the latter has the worst stall gate to negotiate.

Another who is sure to attract plenty of attention is Golden Ducat in Race 6.

This half-brother to multiple Grade 1 winners Rainbow Bridge and Hawwaam was an easy winner second time out and this hulking son of Philanthropist seems certain to have a lot more to come.

He is selected to win and in a run of the mill MR 81 Handicap over 1600m would be the proverbial ‘penalty kick’. But he encounters another three-year-old who is going places.

Pinkerton is highly regarded by Justin Snaith and scored an equally impressive and overdue maiden win last time.

He will love going this trip and receives 1.5kg from Golden Ducat. That sets the scene and these two should fight it out.

A decent value bet is top weight Jephthah in Race 3.

This Vaughan Marshall-trained gelding finishes strongly when in the mood and will enjoy returning to the track where both his wins have been scored.