William Robertson To Upset Lucky Lad

The Pinnacle event over 1160m sees the return of the top class sprinter Lucky Lad. The Sean Tarry yard usually gears up around about now, but Lucky Lad might find it tough to beat William Robertson on this occcasion if the latter returns to his best. Lucky Lad  did lose in his reappearance last season, although that came in February so was after a much longer break. However, his main rival here, William Robertson, has landed a high draw. Lucky Lad makes it difficult for himself usually as he does not break too well and is often out of his ground and although he does usually get there just in time with his devastating finish, he can’t be expected to pull off a miracle in his seasonal reappearance. William Robertson is now a six-year-old and some might question whether he will recapture his best form. He was disappointing in the Betway Spring Challenge last time out over 1450m, but on the other hand that was his second run after a six month layoff. He is the one to beat from a high draw if those two runs have brought him on sufficiently coupled with him being able to reproduce his best after an obvious issue last season. Corne Spies is confident he will reproduce his best and said X-rays show him to have very young looking joints so should have a few more seasons in him. William Robertson is taken to win and those two should be enough to get punters through in a depleted field. Pure Predator is taken to run on into the trifecta position from a high draw in his reappearance over a trip too sharp.

In the MR 102 Handicap Master Christmas is in fine form and from draw one can progress again. Jordan is a capable sort and makes his reappearance over a trip on the sharp side and could do well running fresh. Mastership has shown ability and if repeating his last start should be right there. Those three could get punters through, although Guy Gibson could be worth including because if bouncing back he could threaten. Greeting My Master is another worth considering as he has been in consistent form and Gavin Lerena can help him overcome a tricky draw of seven.

In the second leg of the Pick 6 over 1800m Atarime is a Summer Cup entry so must be well regarded and can win for the third time this season over a suitable trip. Muzi Yeni is five for five on Argo Alley but the question is whether the handicapper has caught up with them and whether the trip is a touch far. Home Of The Brave has plenty of class and is perhaps a better pick for the Pick 6.

In the sixth race over 1100m Rainbow Reward should be cherry ripe in his third run of the season and he is drawn on the right side. Greaterix has not run for seven months but had a lot of pundits talking about his performance second time out. He has a draw of six and should be included. Pistol Peter beat Greaterix easily when they met and was giving the latter 5kg too but the latter was making his debut and this time he receives 9kg. Pistol Pete has to be included in the Pick 6 too though, because on paper he emerges ahead of Greaterix.

In the eighth race over 1600m VJ’s Angel has to run off a 111 merit rating, meaning she gives weight to older horses. However, she might have the class to do so from pole position under Gavin Lerena and is taken to win, although not with much confidence. Doitwithdiamonds won fluently last time when running on from last and now has only a three point higher merit rating. Hillary Step can also be included as she is having her third run after a layoff over an ideal trip.

In the last race over 1600m Heather’s Boy looks to have a lot of class and can overcome a wide draw and a merit rating of 90. He can be bankered although the risk averse can include Safe Space and Bacchus.

In the first leg of the Bipot Exceedingly Glam is drawn on the right side and should enjoy this trip. Hemisphere was not disgraced in two runs in the strong centre of Cape Town and Piere Strydom is up from a nice high draw.

In the first leg of the PA over 1400m Ichacha and One More Star should fight it out.