Get set for double the fun
TWO standout race meetings today should keep punters occupied from just about noon until the 8pm news.
Yes, of course it’s the eight races at the Vaal commencing at 12:45 and the Meydan Carnival meeting scheduled to go off at 16:30 SA time.
Locally, bettors looking for a Pick 6 banker could consider trainer Johan Janse van Vuuren’s lone runner on the day, Irish Willow, who lines up in the first leg.
Priced up at 11-10 by World Sports Betting, she looks the closest thing to a racing certainty.
Runner-up in her last two starts, this Lianngari filly is overdue to exit the maiden ranks. Gavin Lerena gets a third shot with her and it really does look like a case of now or never, with now the more likely outcome.
The most interesting race on the card is Race 6, a Progress Plate over 1200m.
Mk’s Pride from Paul Peter’s stable was runner-up to his stable companion Catch Twentytwo in two features, the World Sports Betting Dingaans (Grade 2) and the Tony Ruffel Stakes (Grade 3) in his last two appearances. He takes on Forever Mine from Mike De Kock’s stable whose only defeat was by highly regarded Malmoos from the same yard.
Both could be underprepared, but nevertheless should be too strong for the remaining five runners.
In Dubai, Mnasek could secure a third UAE Oaks title for trainer Doug Watson.
First run in 2001, the UAE Oaks has attracted a small field for this year’s contest and looks a weaker renewal, with none of the seven fillies declared rated above 96.
Shock winner of a maiden on her racecourse debut at Meydan earlier in the season, Mnasek ran well in the UAE 1000 Guineas to finish second, especially considering she was slow out the gates.
Saeed bin Suroor saddles Last Sunset in the UAE Oaks as he aims for an eleventh title in this contest.
Frankie Dettori, her rider, has enjoyed plenty of success in the race, winning it a record six times.
She has plenty going for her and holds obvious claims.
Twelve months ago, Down On Da Bayou gave trainer Salem bin Ghadayer and Mickael Barzalona their first UAE Oaks. They combine with the well-bred Jumeirah Beach. She will, however, need to improve stepping up to Group 3 level.
The UAE Oaks is definitely worth keeping an eye on today.