Ombudsman has been tipped to win the sixth race (JC Photos).
The Vaal Classic track meeting could be kicked off by the tried and tested combination of Mike de Kock and Chamu Mabaya with the Danon Platina filly Great Notion.
This filly showed improvement last time and faces an unispiring field over a step up in trip she should manage, although a wide draw makes it tougher. Lacewing has shown glimpses of ability and could earn. Lady Sabrina ran a fair third when stepped up to this trip last time and is well drawn.
In the second race over 1600m Dylan’s Champ has been backed and gone close in his last two starts and now has another good draw over the same trip category so should go close again. Flight Engineer wasn’t disgraced against a top class prospect last time and from a good draw over a step up trip he could handle he has a chance. Pioneer Square went close when stepped up to this trip last time and Lerena stays aboard, but he does have a wide draw to overcome. Beynac has been going close over 1400m and with Strydom staying aboard tries a step up in trip and as this Querari gelding’s Var dam won over 1600m he could get it. Asiah’s Tiara is the only filly in the race, but has the form to earn.
In race 3 over 2000m Towers Of Gold faced a top sort in Heather’s Boy last time and back in this company from pole position over a suitable trip he could go close. Guy Alexander has come into his own, but has to overcome a four point raise for his latest win and has a tricky draw, although it is an ideal trip. Whispers Of War is always thereabouts and should enjoy the further step up in trip. Romeo’s Magic disappointed last time over this trip, but is off a competitive mark and can do better over a suitable trip. Japanese Maple has been dropped five points and if bouncing back could be in the shake up.
In Race 4 over 2000m Fetching Flyer has relished the step up to this trip and goes for a hattrick, albeit off a merit rating increased by seven points. Mount Etna won well last time and could do well over a further step up in trip from draw two being by Erupt out of a Dynasty mare. Kadizora is hard knocking and distance suited and has a chance being 1,5kg better off with Mount Etna for a 0,75 length beating, but has a tough draw. Hat’s Queen is drawn in pole and is in good form so should be thereabouts over a suitable trip with Lerena up. A Place In The Sun is capable of better than recent.
In race 5 over 2000m Flamboyant Flyer has bounced back with cheekpieces on and has a good draw off just a three point higher mark after a win over 1800m last time. He should get the extra trip being by Erupt out of a Silvano mare. Play With Fire is in consistent form and from a good draw over a suitable trip should be staying on as usual. Cartagena has looked to be one with ability and proved it last time, so can continue to improve and will likely not be as big a price as last time. Stormy Sunday has shown ability and should enjoy the course and distance but has a tough draw. Have A Party should be right there over a suitable trip if able to overcome a wide draw.
In race 6 over 1500m Ombudsman ran well against a most promising sort in Confederate last time, but does have a tough draw, although Calvin Habib is back aboard. Twelve OClock High won well in the maidens over 1450m, so will enjoy this trip and can do well with Lerena up albeit off quite a tough 86 merit rating. Princess Iliara is well drawn and a repeat of her last start could see her go close.
In race 7 over 1450m the Lucky Houdalakis-trained What A Winter filly will enjoy the step up to this trip as her dam by Var won over it. Francilien’s last start has been well franked and she represents one of the most in form yards in the country, albeit from a tricky draw. Honorable Member has a form chance here over an ideal trip. However, she has a wide draw to overcome. Cocomelon looks to be a talented three-year-old and faces her easiest task since her first win and it is from a good draw over a suitable trip. It’s Her Way has a wide draw but has shown good ability before and could surprise. Accept Cookies is well drawn and drops back to her winning trip.
In race 8 over 1200m Sail The Sky ran well last time and is at home over this trip and well drawn. Written In Stone is likely to be given another fine ride by Louis Nhlapo and can earn again despite a tricky draw. Midnight Fusion has the ability to go close from a good draw. Call Me Master has a wide draw, but has the form to go close and has Lerena up. Pendragon is capable of producing a strong finish and has the advantage of a plum draw of two.
