Make your own mark

TODAY’S race meeting at the Vaal is the ideal opportunity to build up a war chest ahead of the weekend’s racing, when three Pick 6 carryovers could see the pools in excess of a combined R5.5-million.

One trainer who has been very successful at the Vaal this term is Lucky Houdalakis. His nine runners have rewarded him with three wins and a second place, and he could be the key to today’s race meeting.

He saddles six runners today, with Littlewood (Race 6) and Pink (Race 7) seemingly offering him his best opportunity to add to his tally of winners.

Unfortunately, both these runners did not have the luck of the draw. Littlewood (gate10) and Pink (gate 12) have an extra hurdle to overcome, but in Piere Strydom and Luke Ferraris respectively, they have men in the saddle who can navigate a win from almost anywhere.

Littlewood lines up in a MR71 Handicap over 2400m. Having been runner-up on both her previous outings, this six-year-old mare looks primed to record a fourth career victory.

Palace Green looks her biggest threat, but Fabian Habib’s charge will be on her outside as he will jump from gate 10, with Gavin Lerena in the saddle.

Pink will be travelling 2000m in Race 7, a FM 68 Handicap for fillies and mares.

Fresh off a victory over 1800m on the same course three weeks ago, this Master Of My Fate mare has the talent to give Houdalakis a double.

Racing starts at 11:40 with a Work Riders Maiden Plate over 1600m.