Juveniles versus older horses. WULFSTON showed promise on debut, running on to oust fellow two-year-old SILVER DUCAT out of third place. He has drawn better but the latter, although well tried, is 4kg better off and could get away at the right time. NDAKA could be best on turf but nevertheless has run good enough races on the poly to have a winning chance. KING’S SPEAR finished ahead of him on the poly last time and is ready to win so it should get close again. More can earn and there are first-timers in the hunt as well.
The result could have been different had MILKTART jumped from a good draw last time. She made good improvement on her debut effort and if confirming on the poly should have every chance. Highveld filly HIGH FLYBY showed good pace on the poly in her penultimate. She met males there and only tired late over the 1600m so has a chance at the win over 1400m. Duke Of Marmalade filly MINSTREL GALLERY had excuses on her debut and could relish the poly. TEMPELHOFF and TROUBADIX have upset claims in this and there is positive talk on newcomer DOUBLE DREAM – follow the betting moves.
HYDRANGEA showed the strength of her Highveld form with a solid second-place finish on local debut. She can go on better if taking to the poly as she meets a weak field. SPIRIT OF NUNA made big improvement in her second start (so has experience on the poly) but that was before a long break. She makes her debut for a new yard and it could be a winning one if she doesn’t just need it. FORGED IN ICE is another who improved when trying distance. She can only get better and rates a serious contender as well. SPRING FEVER, VENTRILOQUIST and AMBLE INN all rate money chances.
SYX HOTFIX confirmed his maiden win scoring his handicap debut with a strong finish. He has secured draw No 1 and could make it a hat-trick of wins. MANHATTEN CAFE rates a big threat. He looked dangerous in his post maiden and first try on the surface but is carded to run before this. Watch him there before finalising bets. Cape three-year-old PINEAPPLE EXPRESS impressed with frontrunning tactics when winning his maiden last time. He is highly regarded and may enjoy the Polytrack. KAPEN PRIDE has flattered only to deceive but could suddenly pop up. More can earn.
DESERT ROSE turned in a decent performance second time out. She won her debut in good style but looks in need of distance and gets to try the poly and more ground. EYE CATCHING lived up to her name when finishing well at Durbanville last time out. She is back at the track at which she won her only race and needs to be taken seriously. AERIAL VIEW can’t be faulted on her form this year. She is progressive and having drawn well can improve on her earlier poly form. BAY BREEZE is better than her recent form and should appreciate being back over her best trip. GOLDEN GROVE must have a say.
DAWNOFANEWDAY is the one to watch. She has put in honest work in the Western Cape and comes in with a decent looking weight on poly debut. Specialist JACKSON WELLS just found one better when last seen on the poly and will test them all. But she runs prior – check her performance there first. DRAMA QUEEN has class and a plum draw. She has not disgraced herself on the poly and is expected to give a good account of herself but she also races prior. SNOW PALACE ran a fair race last time and should build on that. ROTUNDA and OH SO SQUISHY have scope. Open as it gets.
in turn has more to find against LADY CATHERINE and NIKIYA. The last mentioned is versatile and consistent and could be the value option on the day. PELARGONIUM is another who can win on turf and poly and she has drawn nicely this time. She also needs to be taken seriously. More in it – lovely race.
Not a strong field. GIAMBATTISTA beat a weak field in the maidens but he had to overcome a wide draw. He can follow up on his handicap debut as he has drawn perfectly this time. GAUL RULER came in for support and produced the goods to win his last start. He also won a race low on quality but the way he did it suggests more to come. Both mentioned go the longer trip today. CAPETOWN AFFAIR is knocking hard at the door over this trip but has drawn a bit wide. Still he must rate the form choice. All of COUNT MARSH, FISTS OF FIRE, OH MY WORD ITS ROY and GENIE can upset.
Another tough handicap to end. STANLEY looked a bit unlucky not to challenge for the win last time as he had to switch this way and that. He will need to get going sooner over the shorter trip but has drawn a bit better. Specialist FOREST JUMP will make them all run hard as he has secured a plum gate again. BRANDENBURG is another specialist holding form and having met fair sorts in his last run needs to be taken seriously. COOL RUNNINGS is giving signs he could be ready to visit the winner’s enclosure soon. GREY OCEAN is bred for the longer trip and rates the value option. More can surprise.
