Redcherry Lane can make it two from two in the last race (JC Photos)
The Vaal straight course has an intriguing eight race meeting on Thursday and high draws should be favoured down the straight with the outside rail at zero.
The obvious horse in the first race, Gold Agent, will give the Okapi Ladies International champion Savanna Valjalo an opportunity to make it two wins from two career race rides. However, she does have to contend with the number one draw, which is on the wrong side by trends. The Navy Lark is thus preferred as she put in a decent effort last time from draw nine of nine over 1200m on the classic track and now has a favourable draw of seven under experienced Chamu Mabaya. Trip To States is drawn three out of eight and in his last two starts has shown signs of a form return. He had some decent early form at the Vaal, before losing his way in his first three runs this calendar year. His last two runs have been fair efforts and he should be staying on over this trip. .
In the second race over 1000m Valieva has a tricky draw of three and on form should finish together with Rodeo Drive. The latter is less exposed too and not only has good pace, but has a favourable high draw, so she is preferred. Jilted ran a fair fifth on debut in a decent field and can build on that from a favourable high draw.
In the third race over 1000m Wolf Mountain has a tricky low draw of three out of eight, but he is a stand out on form and should still go in under Piere Strydom. French Bolt was not disgraced on debut against the speedy Chocolate Soldier when likely drawn on the wrong side and he could be a threat here from the standside draw. Zafar was only 1,25 lengths behind French Bolt in that race and also has a nice high draw.
In the fourth race over 1000m two-year-old Green Lightning finished 2,50 lengths in third behind Kindred Heart over 1000m and the latter was subsequently close up behind the SA Fillies Nursery winner Little Ballerina. However, she has a tricky draw of five out of 14. Just The Two Of Us has had two good runs over 1000m but has an even worse draw ofds of one. Dragon Dragon has run three fair races and from draw six with Gavin Lerena up should be in the shake up. Golden Argo can earn if reproducing her penultimate start. Scarlet is drawn on the right side and was not disgraced last time, but overall she appears to be moderate. Centrefold has some pace and has a 4kg claimer up and a high draw.
In the fifth race over 1000m Munchkin looks should be a much higher merit rating if it went on his homework, but he has found his right trip and can follow off a three point higher mark. Nkandla Gold has improved and has a definite chance on recent form with a 4kg claimer up, but he does have a low draw. Lulu’s Boy is 3,5kg better off with Nkandla Gold for a mere 0,75 length beating, but that is only if the 4kg cliam is ignored. Prized Platinum beat Lulu’s Boy in his penultimate start before running below par last time. In The Ether is capable of a flying finish and has a high draw.
In the sixth race over 2400m To The Rescue has always struck as one who needs a bit of time and ground and has a chance here, although under the Classified conditions he is 3,5kg under sufferance with the best rated pair. Vesuvio looks to be one who will enjoy the step up in trip being an Erupt gelding who stayed on nicely over 1800m last time. He is 2,5kg under sufferance with the best weighted. Leeson is also 2,5kg under sufferance with the best weighted but has done well in both starts. Ideal Future is a long-striding sort who stays the trip and is joint best in. She does have to overcome a wide draw though. Mount Etna, joint best in, needs to bounce back. All of One Religion, Royal Mazarin, Nuclear Force, Dungeons and Angel’s Wish can also be considered for the Pick 6.
In the seventh over 1800m Volte Face is on the up and is drawn well over a trip which should suit. Fushimi Inari has been knocking on the door for a long time and his best recent run was over this trip. Flag Bearer has ability but can be unsettled in the running. However, if he finds cover from a fair draw he will be a contender. Carnelo has the form to be right there too. Dark Silver has the form to be involved. Romeo’s Magic has come down to a competitive mark and chas a good draw.
In the last race over 1400m Redcherry Lane is well bred being by Vercingetorix out of a Gr 1 Garden Province winner by Western Winter. She caught the eye last time winning a workriders maiden under a rider who was having his first race ride. She is drawn on the right side over what should be an ideal trip. Zenobia’s Gold ran well first time out the maidens and is drawn on the right side. Cityscape has always been thereabouts in sprints in Cape Town and on the Highveld and now tries a step up in trip but draw one makes it tough. Grape Shot won out of the blue last time and the progeny of Fire Away appear to improve continually and she should get this trip too. Whorly Whorly only has to overcome a two point raise for his win last time and Piere Strydom keeps the ride. He is drawn on the right side too.
