Buck’s Fizz a sparkling bet
BEST BET: FORTUNE RUNNER TO GET BETTORS OFF TO PROFITABLE START
Spring Spree Stakes signals start to Highveld season.
The Joburg spring season gets under way at Turffontein today and it’s lovely to see the better horses starting out their preparations for the upcoming features.
The headliner on the card is the Listed Spring Spree Stakes over 1200m which is backed up by the Lady’s Stakes, also over 1200m.
These races are nice lead-up races to the upcoming Grade 2 Joburg Spring Challenge on 2 October, so one must watch certain horses very closely.
Racing today takes place on the Inside track and there is a ninerace card to preview.
Once again, I have managed to secure six rides and I definitely have some serious claims, so I’m hoping it can be a decent day.
Race 1 is a Maiden Plate over 1200m and I ride Sabre Rattler who is drawn widest of all on debut. He will need the run and will improve with the experience under his belt.
Buck’s Fizz is the horse we all have to beat. He is drawn in pole position and comes off two very decent runs.
He is my best bet on the card and I’ll be surprised if he gets beaten.
Watch the betting support on the unraced runners, while Portrayal can improve with gelding.
Race 2 is a Graduation Plate over 1600m and I ride the very promising Safe Passage who won a lovely race last time.
This, however, is a major test and a big step-up in class, but should he be able to overcome this field, I’m pretty confident he will be a horse to follow in all the upcoming three-year-old Classic races.
Sentbydestiny is my first selection and the best-weighted runner by a long way. She is the one we all have to beat.
Silver Tycoon has been ultraimpressive and returned with a bang after a lengthy rest. These three horses should fight out the finish.
Race 3 is Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1200m and I
think Eastern Belle will take all the beating. She has a beautiful draw, and the addition of blinkers should definitely help.
This is her chance to crack the maiden win.
Coral Dawn and Beltway are her main dangers and the horses with decent form.
These three horses should once again fight out the finish.
Race 4 is a Maiden Plate over 2200m and I ride Lyntys Legacy who is trying this trip for the first time. His racing style suggests he should enjoy the step-up in distance, but my biggest concern
is that he is a horse prone to respiratory noises, so I’m hoping that won’t have a major impact over the longer trip.
However, Zaviah looks a very difficult horse to oppose. He ran a lovely race last time but was a victim of bad luck, and with better fortune this time, he will take all the beating.
Understated is another who must be considered as a main danger.
Race 5 is a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 2200m and I ride Zazu, a nicely progressive filly who will enjoy this step up in
trip.
It’s not easy for these younger horses over this distance at this time of the year but I’m expecting a decent run.
Cap Estel and Global Louis fall into the same category as my ride, but both have to be included while consistent maiden Arizona Lady always rates with a chance in these types of races. All these horses must be included.
Race 6 is The Lady’s Stakes over 1200m and I ride Lucy In The Sky. She is running very consistently at the moment so I’m hoping for another honest effort.
However, I think we all have Big Burn to beat.
This is a very promising young filly who comes in with a competitive weight. Personally, I think she is better than rated, hence my decision to make her a hard horse to beat.
Thumbs Up and Full Velocity are the obvious dangers and must be included in wider bets.
Race 7 is the day’s headliner, the Listed Spring Spree Stakes, and I ride Vaseem who is in great form at the moment, and after a small break must have a massive chance.
This is a very open race, so my suggestion is to go as wide as possible. Puerto Manzano is classy but clearly this is a stepping-stone to bigger things this season.
Rapid Fire and Visiway are definite runners and must be included in all bets.
Race 8 is a Pinnacle Stakes over 1800m and what a lovely race this could turn out to be.
I make it a two-horse race between my first selection, Sound Of Summer, and Grade 1 performer Second Base.
The 8kg swing as well as fitness are the reasons I believe Sound Of Summer will win, but he won’t have it all his own way.
These two horses should get you through all bets.
Race 9 is a MR 66 Handicap over 1000m and looks the most competitive race on the card.
I would suggest going as wide as the budget allows but I like the look of Ramsay. He has a lovely draw and I think he will enjoy the turn.
Aurora Light, Love Lies and Wuhan are the main dangers and must be included into all bets.