Much to admire on Guineas Day
BANKER: DESERT MIRACLE LOOKS IMPOSSIBLE TO OPPOSE IN GAUTENG FILLIES GUINEAS
Punters can get off to a good start with Power Broker in Race 1.
It’s Guineas Day at Turffontein and once again we have a fantastic start to the WSB Triple Crown and Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara. I’m flabbergasted how time flies. Last year I was able to win the Triple Tiara on the phenomenal War Of Athena and it honestly feels like yesterday.
Today’s meeting sees the running of Leg 1 for both the colts and the fillies with the WSB Gauteng Guineas and the Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas, both Grade 2 races, headlining a lovely card.
These two races are backed up by the Grade 3 WSB Tommy Hotspur Stakes and there are also a number of Pinnacle races on the day which means we have highquality racing on offer.
There is also a carryover of R1million to the Pick 6 pool which is expected to reach R5 million.
Before we start working through the Guineas card we must make mention of the beautiful WSB Cape Town Met day that took place last week Saturday at Kenilworth racecourse.
There were some unbelievable finishes and firstly a massive congratulations to the connections of all the winning horses.
Kommetdieding proved himself to be the best horse in the country and what an achievement for him to win the Durban July and Cape Town Met!
This is something so special and he is truly a fantastic horse.
The Majorca Stakes proved to be a thrilling race and the turn of foot shown by the best filly in the country, Captain’s Ransom, was something to behold.
She looked beaten but turned it on and made it a race for the ages.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t in attendance, but it looked to be a wonderful day and well done to everyone concerned in putting it together.
I managed to win the Listed Wolf Power 1600 last Sunday at Turffontein, so it was a decent week overall, and after notching up a couple of other winners through the week, I’m really happy where I am.
We have a 10-race card to preview and I have seven rides, so I’m hoping for the best. Racing takes place on the Standside track.
Race 1 is a Juvenile Plate over 1000m and my best bet on the card comes up in the form of Power Broker. He won a fantastic race first time out and the form has been franked.
He concedes weight all round, but I think him having the benefit of the experience will be enough to have the measure of this field.
Magic Tattoo ran on well on debut and will be the main danger.
Watch the betting on the unraced horses for the best guide as to their chances.
Race 2 is a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1160m and of the horses who have run I think Lady Osier will be the one to beat.
She has run three decent races and this isn’t the strongest field, but I would suggest adding any of the unraced horses who attract market support.
This is a weak Maiden Plate and if they have any ability, they’ll take all the beating.
Race 3 is a Maiden Plate over 1160m and I ride Broadway who is dropping drastically in trip. His last two runs were very disappointing and we are going for an improved effort.
This is a wide-open race so go as wide as the budget allows although I think Portrayal could be the horse to beat.
His penultimate run was good and I think he’ll enjoy going back to competing up the straight.
Eagle River gets blinkers fitted and this could make the difference while Chyavana is another who must be considered after a decent first run.
Race 4 is a Pinnacle Stakes for fillies and mares over 1000m and I make it a race in two between my first selection, the very progressive Remember When, and Mind Reader.
My selection clearly has loads of potential and I’m sure she would have improved fitnesswise after her comeback run, which makes her the filly to beat.
Mind Reader has been running well in high-class races and the drop in class will stand her in good stead.
She rates the biggest danger. May Queen could be another to consider for wider bets.
Race 5 is the Grade 3 Tommy Hotspur Stakes over 1000m and I ride Kwite A Trip who comes in with a light weight and at his best can definitely run into the money. But I think we all have my stable companion to beat in the form of Master Archie.
He won a phenomenal race last time and a repeat of that will see him take home the winner’s stake cheque.
His main danger is Sweet Future who was impressive last time and could easily follow up.
Anna Capri also won well last time and rates a bit of a danger.
It’s important to remember the fillies get their sex allowance in this race, which means they are well in at their ratings, so include anyone else you might fancy.
Race 6 is the Grade 2 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas over 1600m and I ride Maryah who won very well in her latest start in Port Elizabeth but this is a huge step-up in class so I’m hoping for a place.
Desert Miracle is a very special filly and will take all the beating. She was unlucky not to have won her last start behind Chansonette who has franked the form in no uncertain terms.
She is a banker in all bets, and I’ll be very surprised if she doesn’t win.
Rain In Holland is her main danger and will be cherry ripe for this contest and could be the Exacta horse.
Race 7 is the headliner on the card, the Grade 2 WSB Gauteng Guineas over 1600m, and I ride Super Excited who is in good form and I’m hoping for him to run into the money.
On form we have a couple of lengths to find on some of the leading contenders but with some luck, we could be there.
Safe Passage sets the standard after a dominant display in the Dingaans. He could be anything and off a good draw he’ll take all the beating.
Red Saxon is the main danger and the horse who chased him home, and he has had the benefit of another run which is great for an inexperienced horse.
Supreme Warrior cruised home last time and remains unbeaten so should be included but it’s interesting S’manga Khumalo chose to ride Safe Passage.
William Robertson, Out of the darkness and Prince Of Fire are others to consider.
Race 8 is a Pinnacle Stakes for fillies and mares over 1600m and I ride Sultanah, who won a nice race last time but jumps in class drastically.
She is drawn well and has a light weight so once again I’m hopeful to run into the money.
Admire Me sets the standard after two lovely runs in Joburg.
This is her third run after a rest and she’ll be cherry ripe. As a result, she is my value bet on the day.
La Luvia gets blinkers added and this could make the difference while Fantastical is another who must be respected.
Race 9 is a Pinnacle Stakes over 2400m and I ride Barak who comes in with 50kg. He is having his first run back since the Racing Association Stakes and if racing fit will be right there.
He just seems to always find something to beat him but hopefully today he’ll manage to get his head in front.
Shangani also comes off a break so the same applies to him but if he is ready he will be the horse to beat, but we can only go on form and because of the rests, I think Marching on together stands out. He is racing fit and drawn well so I think he will have everything in his favour.
These three horses should get you through all bets.
Race 10 is a Pinnacle Stakes over 1400m and I ride the everimproving Goodtime Guy with a very handy 50kg on his back.
He goes for three wins in a row and I think he has to have a decent chance.
MK’s Pride is the class horse and the one we all have to beat even though he concedes loads of weight.
Forever Mine is a definite lurker who I think will run very well and he must be included into all bets.
BEST BET
Race 1 No 1 Power Broker
VALUE BET Race 8 No 3 Admire Me PICK 6 R672
Leg 1: 2, 6
Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
Leg 3: 1
Leg 4: 1, 3, 7
Leg 5: 3
Leg 6: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8