Log-leader Lyle can extend advantage at the Vaal

In some ways we have a typical midweek meeting at the Vaal tomorrow but as we head towards the autumn season on the Highveld, the quality of the runners starts to improve.

So, while there are a number of well-supported and competitive races, the card is not made up of low-level handicaps.

Actually, there could be two good bets at the meeting. Race 1 is a Maiden Plate over 2400m, and they are normally treacherous affairs. But this time, Mike and Adam Azzie send out White Fang, who will be having his third outing.

His first race was in June over 1600m where the son of Futura went off at 13-1 and ran eighth, beaten 7.05 lengths by Al Madhar. His next run only came last month, this time over 2000m at this track. There were a few bites at his odds of 10-1 and he shortened into 17-2. This time, despite racing wide from No 12 draw, he was beaten just a neck by Pamushana’s Pride.

He should enjoy the extra 400m and it is worth noting jockey Lyle Hewitson has stuck with him.

Hewitson, who at the time of writing holds a 37-win lead over main rival Greg Cheyne in the race for this year’s championship, is also on the other possible banker. That comes up in Race 7, a MR 84 Handicap over 1600m, where Sean Tarry saddles Eagle Alley.

The three-year-old son of Silvano has won both his starts and looks a most progressive colt. His last run was over this course and distance and he easily accounted for Quattro Passi by 2.25 lengths.

Based on average merit ratings, this race is marginally stronger, and he did get a 4kg penalty for that victory.

As a result, while Eagle Alley carried 52.5kg last time, he will carry 7kg more on this occasion. While that will make life a little tougher, Tarry’s charge should be up to the task.

The obvious threat looks to come from David Nieuwenhuizen’s runner, Stormy Winter, who has won his last two starts over this course and distance.