Picking the Vanilla Orchid

The Black Minnaloushe mare Vanilla Orchid is blossoming under the care of trainer Stephanie Miller and could be ready to score at Eachway odds in Race 8 at Flamingo Park today.

Vanilla Orchid clearly needed her first run on the sand track when unplaced in early January but put that behind her when runner-up behind easy winner Ruby And Roses just a week later.

Miller tried blinkers on this five-year-old after that and she was not disgraced when fourth behind a rival in this race, Kildonan Princess.

Vanilla Orchid is better drawn and she could turn the tables on Kildonan Princess.

Trainer Cliffie Miller’s horses have been a bit hit-and-miss this season, but we can expect improvement from Fairlado and she can score in Race 3.

She was no match for Master Of The Sea when she made her debut but the way she was staying on suggested the 1300m of this race would suit.

Trainer Tienie Prinsloo could provide us with a winning Swinger bet in Race 2 as his two runners have both shown enough in their most recent starts to suggest they should be there at the finish.

Gallagher won twice over the course and distance (1000m) late last year and although he has not been as good since, was not disgraced when fourth last time out.

The 4kg-claimer Mfanelo Zuma is back aboard Gallagher and he won on this Var gelding when he was last on him.

The Rebel King mare Regal Ruby clearly needed her first experience on the sand when unplaced last month. Both her wins have been over 1000m and with her merit rating dropping she can go close.