Tricky. ECHO OF LIFE debuted in a feature and made the expected improvement dropped in class to a maiden for her second start when staying on to finish 3rd over a shorter trip. She should continue to improve and, on the evidence of her last start, will appreciate the step-up in distance. CHE VINCERA was on debut and caught the eye when staying on to finish behind that rival and could represent the value in the race with any amount of improvement expected. LUCY THE PINK should’ve finished closer in that race and the step-up in trip should suit. OPEN SECRET and newcomer YOUREYESONLY have claims.
CHARLIE MALONE bumped a smart newcomer when looking the likely winner stepped up to 1250m last time. He’s awkwardly drawn but likely to enjoy the extra 150m so ought to play another leading role. MARVEL WILLIAM built on the promise of his debut 4th when getting going late to finish a close-up 3rd over 1200m. On that evidence, he’ll have more to offer going this trip – contender. The United States colts PURE MAVERICK and SMITH AND WESSON have shown useful ability in sprints and could improve trying further for the first time. Watch the betting on newcomer LIGHT SPEED and likely improver TEATRO.
BOISTEROUS BUDDY had been threatening to exit the maidens but lost form – remains capable at best. CASTLE TIME made a pleasing stable debut returning from a break and should build on that improvement – contender. DEAN STREET raced prominently throughout under a big weight over track and trip last time – should go close with a repeat of that performance. ELEODORO made good progress racing over further against her own sex but faces a tougher task reverting to this trip against male rivals, despite receiving weight. Newcomers COSMIC EMPIRE, GLOBAL VISTA and TOUCH OF GRACE are worth a market check.
Special weights maiden. FUTURISMO improved again stepped up to 1600m last time and is likely to make further progress going this trip – contender. MAGIC MOMENTS was 5th in a similar contest over track and trip before minor-place finishes over 1600m. She’ll enjoy a return to this trip and ought to make her presence felt. TWICE THE MASTER and DOUBLE DUET ran well in a maiden handicap recently and will be competitive if building on that improvement. DOUGLAS and KEEP SHINING were in close attendance that day and with improvement should be in the mix too. Well-bred SPIRIT OF SILVANO can have a say.
Good race. DUBAI LIGHTS finished an unlucky and close-up 3rd in a stronger race after a break recently and would’ve tightened up since, so should have a say. NIGHT SONG had excuses for a disappointing effort in the same race but remains capable of better. EXCEEDER will be better for a return to this trip with blinkers refitted and should acquit himself competitively. Both CAPTIVE MOON and THEFUTUREISBRIGHT are maturing 3yo geldings who are also expected to improve going this trip. POLICY TARGET has returned to the Cape in good form and in his peak run is likely to make his presence felt. Open!
Tricky. Hat-trick seeking DOUBLE CHARGE has rediscovered his best form and is capable of making his presence felt despite a 6-point penalty, though it is worth noting that jockey Van Niekerk is on TOUT A FAIT instead. The latter is holding form and is distance suited but jumps in class. WAITING FOR SUMMER should fare better in these calmer waters after contesting some hot 3yo features. Stablemate ADIOS AMIGOS won over further last time but is better at this trip and should play a leading role. Both GALLIC TRIBE and NIGHT RULER are useful and ought to make their presence felt too. Good race!
Tricky. MISTER VARGUS is favourably treated by the conditions but may need the run after a layoff and stable switch. Former stablemate KALAHARI FERRARI returned to form last time and could be in the firing line if building on that improvement. SURJAY is above average and will enjoy reverting to the trip of his only career win. TRANSACT should also enjoy a return to this distance and could fight it out. TIZONA and SUN DAZED are unexposed over this distance and could improve on their recent form to play a role in the finish. CAPTAIN DIZZY and AXL will strip fitter and have more to offer.
Big field, tricky. FEARLESS TRIP was inconvenienced last time in a similar race won by WHAT A STATE and should get closer with a clearer passage. The hat-trick seeking latter is progressive and will need to eke out more improvement to go in again. SUPER SIRI has tumbled down the ratings and should, on 2kg better terms, make her presence felt reverting to this distance. Consistent NIPPY WINTER should relish a return to the straight course and can be expected to acquit herself competitively once more. Stablemates MISS GREENLIGHT and DELLA’S SWORD have more to do out the maidens but are on the up.
