Just Be Lekker has been tipped to win the ninth race. (JC Photos).
There is an interesting ten race meeting at Turffontein Standside on Saturday and the action starts as early as 11h20.
The highest rated race is a fillies and mares MR 103 Handicap over 1160 meters. Just Be Lekker should be cherry ripe and can go one better than last time when she went close to the useful Oxalis Gold over 1400m. She is equally suited to this trip and is capable of carrying top weight to victory under Serino Moodley.
Poblano also has speed and class, but on the downside she has a low number two draw. Fastnet Filly is in fine form and is highly regarded, so it would be no surprise to see her win from a nice high draw under Gavin Lerena. Stablemate Artiste disappointed last time, but she has useful form in Cape Town and if bringing that form she will be a big runner from a nice high draw. Ceuta has shown good ability and is interesting dropped in trip being by Gimmethegreenlight out of Gr 1-winner over both 1600m and 2000m, Europa Point.
The previous race is a MR-96 Handicap and has some class acts involved. Bacchus has plenty of class and this will be his easiest task for some time as he ran in all three legs of the triple crown. Back in this company he should be thereabouts despite having to carry joint top weight from a tricky draw of seven. Artist’s Model is a classy and progressive sort who is distance suited, but he does have a wide draw to overcome. Claw is a progressive sort who should be cherry ripe having his third run after layoff. He looks to have class and should rise above his 85 merit rating so he can do well from a good draw. Don’t Cry For Me has disappointed in his last two starts, but they were both in Grade 1s and he won convincingly in an Ordinary Handicap before that, so he could also be involved with Piere Strydom back aboard. Command Pilot is drawn well over a suitable trip and this will be his easiest task since his last win three runs ago.
In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1400m Pretty Persuasive made a fine debut in the strong centre of Cape Town and if bringing that form to this race she can win from a good draw over a suitable step up in trip under Gavin Lerena. Tuscan Romance brings some useful Cape Town form and has a chance if able to overcome a wide draw. Vipingo has been quite close up to some fair types and she should be in the shake up over a suitable trip from a fair draw. Blue Quartz was not disgraced over this trip category last time and could earn with a repeat. Hopscotch showed some improvement second time out and with further improvement could earn.
In race 5 over 1400m the first-timer Take No Prisoners is by Vercingetorix out of the useful Gr 1 winner TakingThePeace. Scarlett Heart has run some fair races and could earn here, but does have a tricky draw. Two For The Boys is on the up and should be in the shake-up here if able to overcome a wide draw. Greenlight Racer could improve on his fair debut. Stay Tuned is by Futura out of a Var mare whose only win was at Flamingo Park and she hasn’t produced a winner to date, but he represents the powerful Sean Tarry/Craig Zackey combination, is bred by Laurence Wernars and is owned by Gerald Kalil, owner and breeder of Quid Pro Quo.
In race 6 over 2400m Mo Ment always struck as one who would get better with age and over gound and he is now proving it so he could progress again. Arlington Action has hard knocking form and is distance suited. Star Coin has some class and has won up to 2000m so is interesting tried in a staying event from a good draw. To The Rescue has consistent staying form and from pole position could be in the shake-up. Vesuvio must have a chance over a suitable trip with Lerena up.
In race 7 over 1600m Aladdin’s Lamp has shown useful form in Cape Town and should go close, although the trip is on the sharp side. Pocket Watch has shown some ability and could earn from a good draw as he is currently off a competitive mark. Pumpkin Pie won well second time out and over a suitable trip could earn if able to overcome a wide draw. Ombudsman has some reasonable form, but is another one who has to overcome a wide draw. Crescendo will relish the step up in trip on pedigree and starts handicapping off a reasonable mark but does have a wide draw.
In the first leg of the Bipot there is not much between Raceway and Jazz Pianist, but the former has a more favourable draw.
In the first leg of the PA Balule made a good debut and is the one to beat, but Carnarvon has form and a nice high draw, whilst Mr Bright Spark is by Erik The Red and is a half-brother to the speedy and useful Chocolate Soldier.
In the first race Tempranillo is by Querari and is a half-sister to the like of Barbaresco, so is interesting.
In the last race Hong Kong has ability and can bounce back.
