Muzi Yeni writes for us
BEST BET: DANIELSON’S MOUNT HAS EVERYTHING IN HER FAVOUR IN RACE 2
Riverstown in Race 7 looks to be a Pick 6 banker.
The Cape season has come to an end and we were treated to sensational racing. It was remarkable to see Golden Ducat win the ARF Cape Derby, his dam Halfway To Heaven now producing three individual Grade 1 winners from her first three foals.
The interesting fact is that all three have won Grade 1 races over 2000m.
The action has now moved to the Highveld and next week we will be running the second leg of both the SA Triple Crown and the Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara.
There is some question as to whether Ikigai will stay 2450m if he has to contest the SA Derby in April to complete the three qualifying races but there is a lot of confidence emanating from the Paul Peter yard that Summer Pudding is more than capable of being crowned the first Triple Tiara winner since Cherry On The Top, who in human terms could be considered to be Summer Pudding’s aunt.
But we will talk more about that next week.
Although the Gauteng season is in full swing there are no feature races on today’s card but there are some interesting Plate races in which horses will be getting prepared for upcoming graded event.
Racing today takes place at Turffontein on the Inside track where the main event comes up in Race 8, which is a Pinnacle Stakes over 1000m.
Race 1 looks to be wide open. Of the raced runners I would focus on Magic Blaze, Phinda Mzala, Master Of Disguise and The Eighth Lord.
Takagari from my stable (Robbie Sage) is a nice horse and should be included in Quartets.
In Race 2 I make Powder Puff my best bet on the card and she will be extremely hard to beat. She is improving all the time, will enjoy the step up in trip, is drawn well and I’m confident Raymond Danielson will bring her home for the Mike and Adam Azzie yard. Have a good bet and that should pay for your Place Accumulator and Pick 6.
I would banker her in all your bets.
Race 3 is the opening leg of the Place Accumulator and I make it a race between Dark Song, Wallaa and Dice The Bullet.
These three horses should get you through all bets but you should include Flower Season in Quartets.
My stable’s horse, Stunning, will prefer further but should be watched next time.
Race 4 is an open race so include all of Doublethink, Soul Connection – who is now equipped with blinkers after an inexplicably poor run – Iron Mike, Theatre Of Dreams and Mount Everest in the Place Accumulator.
For the Pick 6 go as wide as your budget will allow.
Race 5 is a Maiden Plate over 1600m and this appears to be a lot easier. I like the look of Spooky and Kratos Power. Both these horses are improving and should fight out the finish. Include Untamed Tiger and Saviour in Quartets and wider exotics.
Race 6 produces my value bet on the card in Oden. I think the Inside track will suit him and he should win after dropping in class.
All of Scoop, Silver Master and Corvette Captain are dangers.
Riverstown should be very hard to beat in Race 7, a Graduation Plate. His form is exceptional and he will enjoy this 1200m on the Inside track. He won the Grand Heritage over 1475m at the Vaal and then finished fifth behind Ikigai in the Grade 2 Gauteng Guineas. He looked dangerous at the 400m mark but didn’t go on with it.
The drop in distance should be in his favour and he is now equipped with blinkers and this should sharpen him up.
Spiritofthegroove is his only danger.
In Race 8, the Pinnacle Stakes over 1000m, I like the look of La Bella Mia. She is drawn well and with 51kg on her back she will be right there.
With the scratching of Mombela the obvious dangers are Rebel’s Champ and Basadi Faith and I’m confident these three horses will get you through all bets.
Race 9 is a MR 86 Handicap over 1800m and looks an open affair. However, I make Last Of The
Legend the horse to beat. He was caught late when a three-length third behind Diorama at the Vaal last time and should find this track and trip ideal for him. In addition Sean Tarry and Luke Ferraris are in top form at the moment.
Include Marshall Foch, Christopher Robin, Corrido and Hellofaride if you can afford to.
In Race 10 I really like the look of Full Mast. He was unlucky in his last start and should run very well.
Captain Of Tortuga, Carbon Atom and Russian Beat are his immediate dangers.
BEST BET
Race 2: No 9 Powder Puff VALUE BET
Race 6: No 3 Oden