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SUCCESS: APPRENTICE DICKEN COULD BUILD ON HIS FIRST WIN
State Star could buck the trend in Race 4.
Follow the ones! That could be the best play at the Vaal tomorrow. It is not pure conjecture that makes the No 1s the horses to follow as in most plate races they are the best handicapped runners.
One could get out of the blocks with an Eachway bet in Race 1 on No 1 Britannia Queen who look overdue for a first win. This is quite an open race but there should be some good value in the Brett Webber-trained runner when she runs in this Workriders Maiden Plate over 1200m.
Race 2 is a Pinnacle Stakes over 1200m and once again No 1, Afrostar, is worth a bet. Paul Peter has engaged Gavin Lerena to take the ride on the daughter of Judpot who showed her class over 1400m on this course last time when beating Running Brave by 1.75 lengths.
The runner-up went on to win the Grade 2 Gold Bracelet at Greyville on Saturday 27 July, beating some of the best fillies and mares in the country.
Aerostar has been lightly raced, having run just seven times for three wins and two places. She is the best handicapped runner by just 0.5kg ahead of Rouge Allure, who was a runaway winner
of her last start over 1600m at this course. Rouge Allure, however, might not be as good over 1200m and could be found wanting over this shorter trip.
In Race 3 Sean Tarry, who regained the title of Champion Trainer last season, saddles Pidgeon Rock, another No 1 on the card. This four-year-old gelding has run five times, finishing fifth on debut and following it up with four successive second places.
He was beaten a head by Irrevocable Dream over this distance and should make amends this time with apprentice Dennis Schwarz up.
Race 4 could also produce a No 1 winner if I Like It returns fighting fit from a 63-day layoff. This daughter of Solskjaer has been just below some of the best fillies in the land but does not have to take them on this line-up.
It could be safer to settle for State Star who is in good form and has a 2.5kg claimer in the irons.
But it’s back to No 1 in Race 5 where trainer Roy Magner saddles five-year-old mare Winter Watch. This daughter of Ashaawes is the best runner in the field but she is carded to shoulder 63.5kg.
To counter this, Magner has engaged 4kg claimer Cole Dicken who looks to have some potential. He registered the first win of his career yesterday in Race 3 at the Vaal, aboard Princess Nicole.
The main danger could be Elbi from the Mike de Kock yard, who is in the safe hands of experienced Randall Simons.
No 1 in Race 9, Blanco, could close off the meeting with a win for trainer Geoff Woodruff as he had a good run last time over 1450m and with 2.5kg claimer Tajesh Juglall up, this four-year-old gelding looks the runner to beat in this Maiden Handicap over 1600m.
To take a bet
Go to www.tabonline.co.za or www.bettingworld.co.za