Be brave with Bartholdi
UNEXPOSED: ALEXANDER’S RUNNER COULD BE BETTER THAN HIS MERIT RATING Sea Cottage Stakes could reveal Triple Crown contenders.
Racing returns to the Inside track at Turffontein today so remember it all takes place around the turn and inside draws are a big advantage. This is the first meeting back at the track since it was scarified and I'm looking forward to riding on it again.
There is a nine-race card to preview and the headliner is the Grade 3 Sea Cottage Stakes over 1800m for three -year-olds. This is a lovely race, and everyone should watch it closely because we could easily find a horse who could compete in the upcoming WSB SA Triple Crown.
There are no Maiden Plates on the card as there was a full meeting for maidens last Thursday, so hopefully we can guide everyone in the right direction.
Race 1 is a MR 86 Handicap over 2600m and it's a small but competitive field. I make it a race in two between Captain Chorus, who is my first selection and won a very good race last time, and Our Coys, who on form should be closer to Captain Chorus on the weight turnaround.
Captain Chorus should also enjoy the step up in trip and therefore is my first selection. Port Key should be cherry-ripe and must be added into wider bets.
Race 2 is a three-year-old handicap and I really like the look of Bartholdi who is still unexposed and could still be better than his rating.
He ran a very promising race after his maiden win and on a very tough day I am going to make him the best bet on the card.
Tight Five, Namib Desert and Back To Black are dangers while the other horses all have claims in this race.
I make Race 3 a two-horse affair between my first selection, Against The Grain, and Crank It Up. My selection will be suited to the course and distance and sets the standard. The latter is ultraconsistent and must be respected.
My ride, Royal Escapade, is a nice horse but is coming off a small rest and I'm hoping he can fill minor honours.
Race 4 is a three-year-old fillies’ handicap over 1500m and I give my ride, Swiss Bank, a decent chance. She won a very good race last time and will be suited to the course.
She has to beat Magical Flight who sets the standard with some very good form. Toto and Phoenix are others to consider.
Race 5, a Graduation Plate over 1200m, is another small but tough race. On ratings Portico and Spring Break are well ahead of the field and on that alone they are the horses to beat.
I think the latter will be well suited to the track and off a good draw, she is my first selection.
My ride, Informative, ran a cracker coming off a rest and with further improvement I'm expecting him to be right there.
These horses should get you through all bets but go wider if you can.
In Race 6, a MR 96 Handicap over 1200m, I think the top weights hold the aces. Double 'O' Eight easily won her last start and could follow up, while Battleoftrafalgar should be right there off the best draw.
Angel's Power can definitely upset on his best form and must be added in while my ride, El' Zara, is coming off a rest and will probably be better with the run under her belt.
Race 7 is the Sea Cottage Stakes and there are some very promising young horses who, as mentioned, could easily be competitive in upcoming feature races.
Second Base has done nothing wrong and looks well above average so must be included. This is his biggest test and if he can beat these horses giving them weight then he is a leading contender going forward.
Shah Akbar was really impressive in his last win and because of that I make him the horse to beat. He is well drawn and should have everything go his way.
My ride, Bold Jazz, is a lovely horse who has been looking for this trip. I really like the look of him and I think he will be right there at the finish.
Gimmethegoahead won very well last time and could follow up while Al Muthana has been gelded, which is something to note.
If he comes back to the form of his first run and win, then we could all be racing for second.
In Race 8, a FM 75 Handicap over 1800m, I really feel my ride Only The Brave has a massive chance. She worked really well and I feel she will be great value at a decent price.
Her last run was against much stronger company so the drop in class is in her favour.
Traveling Wilbury, Virocana and Pin Up are the immediate dangers and all have winning chances.
The meeting closes off with a MR 84 Handicap over 1200m and it's a difficult race, so try to go as wide as possible.
+However, I would focus on Fitzwilliam who won well last time and could follow up. The stable is in hot form and he sets the standard off a good draw.
The Contractor is a lovely horse and will be cherry ripe for this race so must be added in while my ride, Convexity, is far better than his last run and I'm hoping the drop in trip does the trick.
BEST BET
Race 2 No 2 Bartholdi
VALUE BET
Race 8 No 6 Only The Brave.
PICK 6
R2016
Leg 1: 1, 3, 4, 6
Leg 2: 1, 2, 5
Leg 3: 1, 2, 7
Leg 4: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Leg 5: 1, 5, 6, 7
Leg 6: 4, 5