Buster Barnes was impressive when capturing Zimbabwe’s Triple Crown (Picture: Racing At Borrowdale Park In Harare)
The Listed TAB Dr Richard Maponya Handicap over 1800m at the Vaal’s main track on Saturday could see a first South African victory for Buster Barnes, while the Listed Spook Express Handicap could go to Woman’s World.
In the Richard Maponya Handicap the Zimbabwe Triple Crown hero Buster Barnes has his third run in South Africa and although it will be his second run after a rest he has plenty of class and could be proven to be well handicapped off a 102 merit rating. On the downside, he does have a wide to overcome. The Ultimate King comes off a fine third in the Summer Cup. However, that was an ultra tough race and he would likely have had to be freshened up, so might not be quite at his peak. He also has to carry topweight and has a wide draw. Willy Meet Again ran well in first time blinkers and she is in pole position over a step up in trip she should enjoy. Aristotle will relish this trip being by Rafeef out of the Gr 1 SA Fillies Classic winner Athina. Copper Eagle will be right there if able to repeat his penultimate start and he has a good draw.
In the Listed Spook Express Handicap over 2400m Woman’s World won easily over 2000m last time and is proven over this trip. She does have to carry. the second top weight of 58kg, but looks to be at the top of one of the merit rating bands. However, she does have a wide draw to overcome. Soldier’s Eye is knocking on the door and on pedigree should relish the step up in trip. She also comes from the Marwing yard, known for their expertise with stayers. Royal lnvitation won over this trip in fine style last time, but that did take her merit rating into a higher band and she thus carries joint topweight despite being rated two points lower than Soldier’s Eye. Teo Torriate is in the same boat at the weights but is a consistent sort and she should be right there. Poplar Park is 2kg better off with Royal Invitation for a two length beating, so should be right there.
In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1200m Rockaroundtheclock was a touch disappointing last time, but on previous form has a fine chance here. Peregrine Falcon is in good form and has a shout. One Tiger should be in the shake up on form. Sea Shanty has had bad luck with draws but is interesting dropped in trip here down the straight with cheekpieces on because he does pack a strong finish. Prized Platinum has the form to be a contender.
In the fifth race over 2400m Arlington Action is a reliable stayer and was only beaten last time when carrying 60.5kg by a filly who benefited from the Classified Conditions of the race, so he should be in the shake up. Top Shelf Teddy has plenty of ability and is interesting over this trip being by Master Of My Fate out of a Captain Al mare who won over 1800m. Military Moves has fair form over 2000m and should enjoy this trip being out of a daughter of Front House, who won twice over this trip. Euphrates won well in the maidens when stepped up to this trip with blinkers on and starts handicapping off a reasonable 67 merit rating. Banha Bridge stays the trip and could earn again.
The eighth over 1700m should be fought out by Trombolines and Jaffa, who have both shown themselves to be sorts who could be going places. Trombolines’ form has been franked so he gets the vote. Tommy Atkins has shown a lot of ability and could earn. Prince Of Kildare has the form to earn. Page Boy has been disappointing, but from pole position could earn. Birthright has the ability to have a shout.
In the first leg of the PA over 1200m Stoneywood is a full brother to Dyce and will be hard to beat unless his high draw of nine turns out to be disadvantageous. Balule showed promise before a long rest and can’t be ignored.
In the first race over 1200m Gimme A Vodka just failed on debut and should go one better.
In the second over 1200m Master’s Lady is knocking on the door and gets a good opportunity here.
In the tenth over 1400m Mattiazo won easily last time and although now having an eight point raise to overcome Zackey has stayed aboard.
