Laird, Khumalo will show rivals no Mercy
Virginia looks a banker in all bets
Unlike every other day on the Highveld circuit, it is refreshing – for a change – to see the trainer to follow is neither Mike de Kock, Sean Tarry nor Paul Peter at the Vaal – today it is Alec Laird.
It could pay to take an All To Come featuring three of Laird’s runners and the good news is that bookmakers are offering as much as 9-1 for it.
The multiple includes a win on Malteza in Race 4, a place on Oh Mercy Me in Race 5 and a win on Virginia in Race 7.
Not only has four-year-old filly Virginia won three of her last four starts, she also showed no signs of ring-rust following a layoff of almost four months in her most recent appearance – outclassing Captain Of Tortuga by 0.40 lengths.
Now fitter and stronger, this ultra-consistent daughter of Philanthropist should improve by more than the margin she won.
On this evidence alone, she looks Pick 6 banker material when she reunites with jockey S’manga Khumalo in the FM 98 Handicap over 1600m on the Classic track.
“You need to bear in mind that she was taking on the boys,” said an impressed Khumalo following her last win.
“She is a big filly with a big action and that allows her to cruise easily. Because she was in a battle with a boy (Captain Of Tortuga) over that last bit, she had to dig down deep.
“I was impressed with how she put her head down when it mattered to win.”
This R350 000 purchase will attempt to maintain her unbeaten record over this course and distance and her chances of achieving this are strengthened by the fact she is beautifully drawn at No 1 and shoulders 1kg less than her biggest danger, Aurelia Cotta.
The latter was on an impressive two-run winning streak prior to running unplaced in her last two offerings.
If she brings her best form to the course, she will give the selection a torrid time passing the finish line.
Since Malteza shed her maiden tag at the sixth-time of asking, she has remained consistent and there was a lot to like about her most recent appearance when finishing third behind Lady Of Steal.
The good news is, that form line has produced two winners.
If this three-year-old daughter of Oratorio makes further improvement she will have no trouble winning Race 4, a FM 76 Handicap over 1200m.
Her form clearly proves she is most lethal over this trip having recorded a victory and three places from her last three outings over it.
For Quartet purposes, float the selection and Tigermil with Mistressofmyfate, Encryption, Kirkconnel Lass, Supreme Win and What A Thrill.
To take a bet
Go to www.tabonline.co.za or www.bettingworld.co.za