Follow Laird at the Vaal

The combination of trainer Alec Laird and jockey S’manga Khumalo could be in for a good day at the Vaal today when they race on the Classic track.

Some 10 days ago Laird was pulling out many of his runners because they were unable to work owing to what seemed to be never-ending rain over the Highveld.

The sun has come out – for most of the time – and Laird has some outstanding runners lining up at the Vaal.

Khumalo has most of the rides for the stable and they could start off in Race 2 with Imperial Duke, who will be looking to go one better on his last start in which he finished a 0.90-length second behind Cleveland over 1400m.

He has only raced three times and does look to be the horse with the most improvement to come. He is well drawn at No 4, which is good news over this course and distance.

Pamushana’s Pride in Race 7, a MR 78 Handicap over 1800m, looks another possible banker. This son of Louis The King has raced five times for two wins and two thirds and could have some potential.

The best value could come up in Race 8, a MR 80 Handicap over 1450m, with Prince Evlanoff. He comes back from a 170-day break, but this will be his third race after having been gelded and he has the benefit of No 1 draw.

If not sorely in need of the outing, he could get the better of Oscar Wilde and Putins Promise.

The most interesting runner comes up in Race 9, a MR 74 Handicap over 1450m for fillies and mares, where Laird saddles unexposed Pecan Pie.

She has only raced twice, finishing fifth on debut and then running out a very easy winner of her maiden over this course and distance.

She is well drawn at No 4 and could quite easily follow up with another win.