SMITH AND WESSON returned a beaten short-priced favourite at Fairview last time but could be worth another chance racing at this track for the first time, given his front-running style. CHARLIE CROKER, NOT IN DOUBT and PIROSHKA are likely to improve on their introductions so could make their presence felt. The betting should provide a guide to the chances of the newcomers. TOTHEMOONANDBACK and HITHEMHARDSUNSHINE are of particular interest.
Well-bred STEINBECK deserves to get his head in front after a few narrow misses and should be better suited to this trip – one to beat. SPIRIT OF SILVANO may have needed his last start after a rest and gelding, so could pose a threat with improvement likely. CLAP OF THUNDER showed promise before a rest during which he too was gelded – should have more to come. AENEAS and PETROSSIAN could also make their presence felt. Look for improvement from NAUSHON.
Several with chances. RED KITE stayed on well over this trip last time when she fared better than ZIPPY OVER in a blanket finish that also included MAGIC MOMENTS and THRILLA. They’re all open to improvement so there shouldn’t be much between them again. Maturing ELEODORO moved up like a winner at the 400m over further last time and, on that evidence, should enjoy cutting back in distance. BITE MY LIP appears best of the rest.
Tricky. Lightly raced WARRIOR BLING is a consistent stayer and sets a good standard. SUNDAY ISLAND ran well in a minor feature over this trip last time in his first start out the maidens and appears best of the Nel runners. EXCEEDER was slightly disappointing last time but remains capable of better stepping up in trip with blinkers removed. Well-bred REX UNION has run well up to around 2000m and could have more to offer now going this distance. HIGH MOON is also well bred and has stamina in his pedigree. He could be anything over this trip and could improve going ground – keep safe.
Open. DIFFERENT FACE has found form and consistency lowered in ratings. She was slightly disappointing over further against male rivals last time but should fare better eased another point and reverting to this trip. She finished ahead of SEEKING PEACE in her penultimate and should confirm that form on better terms. The latter is 1kg better off with in-form, versatile NIPPY WINTER (capable over 1000m) for 1.50 lengths so should make her presence felt. FEARLESS TRIP won from the front in first-time blinkers last start and on that evidence should be competitive once again.
Wide open. CASA INVERNO acquitted herself well in a stronger race over further against male opposition at her last start. She is unbeaten at this course and best over this distance, so rates the one to beat on these terms. Richard Fourie won on the selection two starts back. He rides DAD’S CATCH instead which bodes well for the latter. WINTER FURI was an impressive winner of her last start and should have a say if reproducing that form over 1000m, a distance over which she has proven effective. Same applies to HIGH HOSANNA. Both BRIANNA and SONIC BURST have claims.
Good race, many with chances. HYDE PARK and BUSH TRACKER are capable of better eased in grade. The latter won a similar contest on LQP Day and should play a leading role if reproducing that form. LION’S HEAD has rediscovered his form and finished close-up in races over 1400m and 1800m. He has experience at this venue and goes well at this distance, so should be competitive in his peak outing. Both IZAPHA and DRAGONFLY were disappointing on Met Day but are worth another chance. The latter has since bounced back to form in a sprint and should be better suited to this trip.
Well-bred debut winner GOING UP attracted outside betting support when returning from a break for her handicap debut. She caught the eye on that occasion in a stronger race over a shorter trip and, on that evidence should have more to offer with improved fitness. Last-start winner BYE BYE BOMBSHELL has claims but may struggle to confirm the form of that victory over PERFECT TRUST (3kg better off) from a wide draw. FORRIES FOREVER and MISS MILLSTREAM should fare better after disappointing recent efforts from wide draws. POLAR WORLD and DAWNOFANEWDAY can have a say too.
