A small field of seven carded for this. The three runners who have had a run before offer up only modest form and although CAN COL and LADYHAWKE are both expected to show improvement this time and will come on from their debuts. It is possible the finish will be fought out by the newcomers. Trainers Gavin Smith and Alan Greeff have had their share of juvenile winners already this season so FORBIDDEN BEAST and KHAYA’S HOPE could both be ready to win. The betting will probably be the best guide.
A weak race but we should get treated to a competitive finish. LAURETTA MIA has been struggling to get out of the maiden ranks but is capable of being right there at the finish once again. SKATING ON ICE lacks a strong finish but does have a good draw and could get the run of the race. ESHRAAQ was a bit of a disappointment last time but is probably better over this longer distance. LIBRAN LANA is unreliable but is also not out of it. CRAFTY HEART is improving and her first win should not be too far away.
Trainer Juan Nel has done a very good job with JEAN’S MAN so far, winning a couple of races on the Polytrack since under his care. The gelding is back on the turf and in a stronger race this time. STAR OF THE SOUTH was a disappointment on the Polytrack on local debut but showed that form was all wrong with a solid win next time out. He could follow up under a penalty. STORM COMMANDER is in good form and from a nice draw should be involved in the finish once again. TORIO LAKE is not an easy ride but is holding form and has a place chance. GOLD ROCK could be better than his recent runs suggest.
A tough race to find the winner and we need to dig deep to survive this leg of the exotics. ANGRY WARRIOR has been a disappointment of late but could be a surprise package in this race. EMALINE has done well over this course and distance but is clearly unreliable. JOINT EFFORT is capable of better than his recent efforts. MASTERFUL could prefer this distance to his last run and could pop up. Stable companion CHAUELS CAMELOT seemed to find the distance a bit far last time so should do better this trip. PARIS OPERA, GLOBAL ASH and FIRSTAMONGEQUALS all have a winning chance as well,
AQUA DELTA only tired late after doing too much early on last time. He should do a lot better over this course and distance. INHERIT THE RAIN has been progressing nicely under trainer Alan Greeff and looks the one to beat after proving himself over this track and trip. Stable companion CELTILLUS bounced back from a below-par effort to win well last time out and should be a danger once again. NO LAYING UP and AL QAASIM are two others who are doing well and could contest the finish as well.
A competitive handicap. Trainer Alan Greeff has a decent hand with his carded runners. Consistent GLACIER GOLD has to give weight away to all her rivals but deserves a win. HERRIN has been coming back to form and will be a danger. RED BERRY and MESMERIZING MOON do not look to have the talent of their stable companions but are course-and-distance suited and should not be left out of larger exotics. INTUITIVE seemed to need her local debut and could bounce back to form on the turf this time. CATCH THE CAT and NIRVANA GIRL are also capable of winning again and deserve respect.
QUEEN OF SHADOWS bounced back from a bit of a disappointing run in her penultimate start to run a cracker last time. She can go one better. ZAMBAQ changed trainers after a few disappointing runs and has a winning chance. SWEET THE SOUND looked good when running out an easy winner last time out. The pace was good in that race and it clearly suited her. She tackles a tough one in QUEEN OF SHADOWS but she is a danger. WINTER SCOUT and EUROPEANA could earn some Black Type.
A tough race to end an interesting card. VARIETY BREEZE may have just needed her last run and deserves respect. LINE OF POWER is clearly better than his last run would suggest. A fast pace will suit him but he may not get it this time. RAZOR RED is consistent but is battling to win and is more likely to place than win. Stable companions MAGIC BLAZE and BRASS BELL are both in good form and have a winning chances. STORM CHASER was full of running when winning last time out and can follow up if in the same mood.