The At The Races Tipster has selected Gold Poker Game to win the Gr 3 Splashout Victress Stakes (Picture Wayne Marks)
At The Races
1 11:30 AM – Grandslots Work Riders’ Maiden Plate
A modest Work Riders’ maiden to get the prestigious Cape Guineas meeting underway. CASINO ACE is improving and finished 2nd over this trip last time so need only to repeat that performance to go one better. RIVERSTONE, ALWAYS FREE, J ROOPS and LAND OF HEAVEN were all gelded after modest introductions and are likely to improve with the benefit of that experience on their reappearances. Of the newcomers, TOM’S DINER is one to note with an accomplished rider engaged. GIMME’S CAPTAIN and ESCARPMENT could also have a role to play.
2 12:05 PM – Kaapse Klopse Summer Coronation Plate (Fillies) (2-Y-O)
WHISTLE THE TUNE made all when winning on debut over this course and distance, so ought to play a leading role. BLOWIN IN THE WIND is, however, 3kg better off with that rival and should turn the tables on these terms. SAHARA CAT caught the eye by running strongly on debut over 800m and that experience should stand her in good stead over the extra 200m. The betting should provide a guide to the chances of the newcomers – follow the market moves.
3 12:40 PM – HeartFM Commonwealth Plate (2-Y-O)
Competitive 2yo event. SWEETIE DARLING showed a professional attitude by sticking to her task well when making a winning debut. She ought to have come with that experience so should be competitive despite conceding weight to male rivals. HANDSOME PRINCE, LION RAMPART and KOLA TONIC are all likely to improve after encouraging introductions, although it could pay to side with the latter whose fast-finishing 3rd over 800m gave the impression that he’ll have more to offer over the extra 200m. Watch the betting for clues to the chances of the newcomers, of whom well-bred ROMAN AGENT appeals most.
4 1:18 PM – Pick ‘n Pay Class 2
Good race. The Snaith yard holds a strong hand with 6 of the 9 runners and it could pay to follow the progress of the only 3yo in the lineup, UNDERWORLD, who is progressive and likely to play a leading role under just 52kg. SEEKING THE ONE was somewhat disappointing, though not disgraced, over 1200m last time but ought to fare better, so could make amends over a more suitable trip which should also benefit SILVER OPERATOR who did not go unnoticed on his comeback over 1250m. Both CAPTAIN FONTANE and ITSRAININGWILLIAM are also capable of staking claims reverting to this distance.
5 1:53 PM – Flash Class 4
GET IMPRESSED enjoyed the run of the race from gate No 1 when finishing 2nd over this course and distance last time and should remain competitive even at this level from the same starting gate. BARDOLINO confirmed the improvement made with blinkers fitted by finishing two lengths adrift of that rival from a wide starting berth. He should pose more of a threat on these terms from gate No 4. KINGDOM OF HEAVEN landed a gamble when bouncing back to winning ways last time and he could confirm. NORDIC CHIEF (2.5kg better off) and LINDBERGH could have more to offer over this distance. Good race!
6 2:30 PM – SplashOut Victress Stakes (Grade 3) (4-Year-Old Fillies & Mares And Older)
Competitive Grade 3 event. Both SAARTJIE and ROYAL INVITATION have finished second in two consecutive outings so wouldn’t be winning out of turn. The former is favourably treated by the conditions of the race and ought to be competitive with improved fitness on her side, and on better weight terms. Last-start winners ENEMY TERRITORY and GOLD POKER GAME are likely to remain competitive, though the latter appeals most as she is weighted to confirm her superiority over ROYAL INVITATION, VIRGINIA SWEET and LOVE IS A ROSE. Returning HOLD MY HAND is weighted to be competitive on her reappearance.
7 3:05 PM – Ridgemont Peninsula Handicap (Grade 3) (Handicap) (3-Y-O+)
Wide-open Grade 3 contest in which a case can be made for several runners in this big field. However, it could pay to follow the progress of PONTE PIETRA who, after a fast-finishing 3rd over this distance last time, is weighted to turn the tables on both SACHDEV (2kg, drawn wide) and SUGAR MOUNTAIN (1.5kg), though the latter ought to remain competitive. On that form, ROCKPOOL should stake a claim, along with BARATHEON who is a dangerous frontrunner. SENSO UNICO, MONEY HEIST, TRIPLE TIME and Algoa Cup winner FUTURE SWING are not without chances either. WATERBERRY LANE remains capable too.
8 3:40 PM – Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas (Grade 1) (3-Y-O)
HLUHLUWE won the traditional Grade 2 trial over course and distance from stablemate SNOW PILOT and GREEN WITH ENVY so is the one they all have to beat. QUESTIONING and TAIL OF THE COMET are held on that form but are capable of posing more of a threat. ZIL MORIS and ZOOMIE can get involved but must improve to play leading roles. JERUSALEMA RAIN and CAPTAIN ARROW are useful sprinters who need to prove themselves over this distance. Filly RED PALACE is unbeaten over 1600m and could be hard to peg back if allowed to dictate terms.
9 4:15 PM – Ozow Class 4 (F & M)
RANI OF JHANSI and GIRL LIKE US are unexposed fillies who remain capable of playing leading roles in a race of this nature. The former has been freshened ahead of her Cape summer introduction, while the latter ran in a 1400m sales race after a winning debut and will enjoy reverting to a sprint. KNOCKOUT is lightly raced and could also improve with the benefit of a comeback run under her belt, so must be respected. GREAT CAT has maintained her form and consistency in both post-maiden outings and will be competitive. MIA’S HARPER is consistent at this level and has the form to land the spoils.
10 4:50 PM – Kazang Class 4
Tricky. MOYA WA LA LIGA bounced back to form in a stronger race over this course and distance last time, when refitted with a tongue-tie, and is likely to feature prominently in the finish with a repeat of that performance off a reduced mark. Consistent 3yo COASTAL COMMANDER is closely matched with LUNCH MONEY and BLIZZARD on the form of a recent track-and-trip meeting, and ought to remain competitive. The latter, however, should have more to offer with that comeback run under his belt, so warrants serious respect. OPEN HIGHWAY and FORT RED are also closely matched and capable of having a say.
