Punters can strike it rich
THE Vaal stages an eight race meeting on the sand tomorrow and there could be one or two opportunities for punters. In the first race She's A Flirt is by Annouce, whose progeny love the sand, and she duly went close on her sand debut over this course and distance when staying all the way to the line.
Andrew Fortune rides and she is selected despite quite a wide draw. Mystify Me caught the eye on debut over 1000m when running on after a slow start and probably has more scope than She's A Flirt, but this is her first start around the turn and she will need to jump on terms. She has the advantage of an accomplished 1,5kg claimer aboard and is well drawn. Buddy's Falcon could be in the money and others to consider are Love Tryst and River Empress.
The second is an intriguing Pinnacle Stakes event over 1600m.
Ahlaam appears to have come into his own considering his last start when winning unextended over course and distance by four lengths despite jumping from a wide draw.
This appears to be his optimum trip and draw six will allow him to employ his favoured front-running tactics.
Lavender Landscape
However, the concern is that Lavender Landscape, drawn two outside of him, also enjoys running from the front so the race could set up nicely for Solar Triptych, who could sit in behind them and pounce under Fortune.
Prince Of Orange, who has faced the best on turf without being disgraced and has won on the sand before, could also go close. He is well drawn with Anton Marcus up and is selected to run second with Ahlaam third and they could be followed by Killua Castle. The third is a weak maiden over 1600m. The temperamental Rose Of Castille could be calmer in the fine hands of Fortune and will see out the trip. Pride In Battle looks to be a sand specialist who should be right there, although she would probably prefer slightly shorter.
Susquehanna ran quite well second time on the sand over 1800m and could also be considered along with Sweet On You and Eastside.
In the fourth over 1600m, topweight Cristal Arrow has come down three points in the merit ratings and faces a much weaker field than in her last two. She is also well drawn.
Polar Secret is course and distance suited and wasn’t disgraced in a stronger race last time out over the too far 1800m.
Madame Alexis
Madame Alexis disappointed over 1200m last time but will appreciate the step up in trip. Pearlware, Knock Knock, Arabian Arrow, Embrasiatic and Nkomo make most appeal of the rest. The fifth is a maiden over 1450m. Racing Red should improve over this distance and could be the one to side with from a good draw.
Blue Blazer ran a good race last time over course and distance from a similar draw and Ian Sturgeon remains aboard.
De La Vere is by Sarge, whose progeny go well on the sand, and he could improve on his reasonable turf form.
Pera Hur has Strydom up from a good draw and on best form should be a contender. Mystic Realm stayed on well over course and distance last time and is now better drawn.
Marsden could do well if repeating his best run over course and distance.
Roving Jet did well on the turf last time over this trip, but Jet Masters don't appear to enjoy the Vaal sand and Roving Jet's only start on the surface was duly poor.
De Lujo's sire is Ravishing, who is by Jet Master, which makes his suitability to this surface questionable.
In the sixth over 1000m, Brigtnumberfour has ability and is the one to beat over a suitable course and distance. Wishful Heart ran a good race last time over course and distance in a strong field, despite losing a length, and now has Strydom up.
The speedy Battle Of Alma can never be ignored over course and distance but is five points higher in the merit ratings after his last win. Call Kelly is a solid sort who can always be relied on.
There is plenty of pace in the race and it could pan out well for Gems A Plenty, so he has to be considered.
In the seventh over 1000m Nomvula is dropped back to this trip and has the class to win. Ballerini has been thereabouts against some fair sorts and should be right there. Lizzie's Legs is off an attractive merit rating.
Defining Looks
Defining Looks bounced back with an easy win over 1200m last time and could be a runner with Fortune up.
Strydom remains faithful to easy turf winner A Million Dreams, but for a young three-year-old he has a tough task off a merit rating of 82.
Star Empress actually has Ballerini beaten on their last meeting over course and distance, but is inconsistent. Slick Deputy is off an attractive merit rating and could earn.
In the last over 1800m Commodore Al will attempt to make it two wins from two starts over course and distance and the handicapper hasn't been harsh on him.
Escudo was staying on well last time over 1600m behind the much improved Walking On Air. There is not much between Colonel Rockjaw and Commodore Al.
Lord Windsor stayed on well to win his penultimate over 1600m here, so should enjoy the step up in trip.