Follow ‘new school’ today

Leaders of the “new school” of trainers, Adam Azzie and Mathew de Kock, are both positive about their runners’ chances at today’s Vaal Inside track meeting. It could pay to follow the these champions in the making.

The Azzie yard sends out a two-pronged attack in the first race, and Adam expects both to be in the money.

“Ragnarok isn’t a horse that’s going to set the races alight, but work rider Daniel (Baase) does a lot of work on him at home and he’s in with a money chance,” said the son of training doyen Mike.

The minimum trip could be sharp for Finding Troy, but Azzie feels the colt is classier than his stable companion in the race.

“We’ve put the scoops (blinkers) on Finding Troy and I’m expecting that to make a difference. If he doesn’t come to the party he’ll have to get the unluckiest cut of all,” he said. “We’ll be disappointed if he isn’t right there.”

Fragrant Miss improved a lot when beaten a length into second by Some Song. She could shed her maiden tag when she runs for the Mike de Kock machine in Race 3.

“We’re expecting a good run from her, she’s been consistent,” said Mathew de Kock.

Let’s Twist (Race 5) won her maiden impressively last time and De Kock says she’s improved in leaps and bounds. “She’s got confidence from that win. She’s drawn No 1 and this is not the strongest field. I think she’ll be right there.”