Mighty Goddess has been tipped to win the last race (JC Photos)
The Vaal Classic track eight race meeting today is headed by a Pinnacle Stakes event over 1450m and a MR 97 Handicap over 1600m.
In the Pinnacle Stakes event the Weiho Marwing-trained Rabada filly Soldier’s Eye will be tried in blinkers for the second time. She has won over 1600m before, so a race over 1450m is a good time to re-introduce them. She has the widest draw but it is a small six horse field. Soldier’s Eye was a touch unlucky last time over this trip at Turffontein Inside as she was dropped out to last from a wide draw and was staying on strongly and could have got closer has she not been cramped for room. However, it will be interesting to see what her tactics are with the blinkers on from another wide draw. Miss Hannigan has been a revelation since being sent over further than sprints and has won three of her last four starts, including an easy win over 1600m last time when being handy throughout. She beat Soldier’s Eye by three lengths in that race and is now only 2kg worse off, so she holds Soldier’s Eye on that run and she is drawn in pole with Khumalo staying aboard. Gimme A Shot has class and is ideally distance suited and should be in the shake up, despite having to give the rest of the field 4kg and more. Wings Within Me comes off a below par run over 1200m and being by Global View is interesting trying a trip beyond sprints for the first time.Betula followed a layoff with a much improved run and if she can return to her best form will be a threat. Callmewhenuneedme won her penultimate start over 1200m in fine style but she looks held by Miss Hanigan on their last clash over 1500m.
In the MR 97 handicap over 1600m Moola Man is on the up but does have to overcome a seven point raise for his easy last win and it also seems that some of the Johan Janse van Vuuren runners have to date seemed to need their first runs this season, so he can’t be backed confidently. Master Christmas won well last time over this trip and only has to handle a three point raise and is drawn in pole position. Kings Ransom is in good form and should be right there too. For wider, House Of Romanov has his third run after a layoff and could bounce back. Eiffel Tower is off form but if producing his best he is well handicapped.
In the first leg of the Pick 6 Dontshootthebarman ran a good race last time and looks to be off a competitive mark, as he is one point higher than his last win, and Strydom is up. The Navy Lark will appreciate the step back to 1000m having won well over 1100m last time as she is very quick. Sakulo Is’Cathulo did alright with first time blinkers on last time and has a chance. Nkandla Gold is quick and has a chance. What A Tiger and Var Park are hard to ignore and going with the field might be the best option.
In the fifth race over 2000m Claw did not have much luck last time and gives the impression he could beat a field like this from pole position. Diesel’s Shadow has to overcome a wide draw and a three point raise for his win last time, but he should enjoy this trip and his form has been franked. Battleofbarberton makes most appeal of the rest as he should enjoy the trip and goes well for Strydom.
In the sixth over 1600m Royal Edition is in good form and gets a good draw over a suitable trip and he is off a competitive mark. Gimmeachoice’s last two starts have been good seconds and both have been franked so he makes some appeal but he does have a tricky draw. Archimedes has been in fine form and can also be included despite having to overcome a three point raise for his last win.
In the last race over 1600m Mighty Goddess has a fine chance as she went close over 1800m last time without it panning out too well and she now has Gavin Lerena up from a fair draw. Across The Pond is a progressive sort and is well drawn over a suitable trip. Princess Iliara is proven competitive off this mark and has Khumalo up over a suitable trip albeit from a tricky draw. Doitwithdiamonds should be in top shape and from pole position is not out of it. Twostepqueen had a nice win first time out as a three-year-old but has to overcome a four point raise and a wide draw, which are not insurmountable hurdles as she could be the biggest improver.
In the first leg of the Bipot Summer Shade ran well with first time blinkers and can continue on an upward curve and Tiger Storm and Remains Of The Day can also be included.
In the first leg of the PA Bellissivar is the form choice, while Endizayo is an interesting first-timer being by Vercingetorix and a full sister to Ubukhwebezana, who won her last two over 1200m in KZN.
