The Turffontein Inside track meeting tomorrow has some competitive races but it provides an opportunity for exotic punters to land healthy dividends and on the ball on-the-nose punters might find one or two value bets too.
The seventh over 1450m is the highest rated race on the card and the in-form mare Florida Quays is tipped to win. She beat the well regarded Saragon last time over 1400m and the form was franked. Furthermore, she jumps from pole position. Stage Dance and Promise will both enjoy the course and distance and should be right there too.
The first race is a workriders maiden over 1600m and at first sight looks to be a duel between Pucker Up and Anatura. On a strict line through Rock You, Pucker Up comes out 1,50 lengths clear. However, Anatura does have the pole position draw compared to the five draw of Pucker Up. Deebaa was not disgraced on debut last September in a fair field and likely needed her last start. She is drawn well and could be the dark horse.
In the second race over 1000m Caerphilly has plenty of substance and is improving accordingly. She has pace and can take advantage of a pole position draw. She is made a PA banker despite this being a competitive event in which a number of others have chances. Chasing Green is the most intriguing runner. She has not raced since last May. She was thereabouts in all three of her starts in the strong centre of Cape Town and she has plenty of pace so will appreciate being in Johannesburg where all of the sprint courses are faster than the tough Kenilworth sprint course. Cappadocia also has pace and can be in the shake up if starting on terms from a fair draw. Showdown Kid was backed on debut and this good looking sort could improve on that disappointing effort. Exultant is a long time maiden but has been competitive lately and is capable of finishing well. Western Vision, Mind Reader and Urban Oasis could earn too.
The third race over 1450m is uninspiring and the two first-timers could have a say despite both having tough draws. Nordic Queen is tipped to win it. She led last time over 1600m and was beaten 3,75 lengths by Fayrooz. The latter went on to win the Listed Oaks Trial easily. Nordic Queen now has pole position. The Mike De Kock-trained first-timer Barak is by Master Of My Fate out of merit rated 100 five-time winner Bermuda Sloop. The Sean Tarry-trained first-timer Take The World is by Pomodoro out of Tinchy Stryder who won three times including her first two starts. Bartholomeus is improving and gets blinkers on. Pluviophile has a shout if recapturing her best with a 4kg claimer aboard and blinkers on.
In the next race over 2000m Daphne De Maurier is made the best bet of a tough card. She had to work to overcome a wide draw over 1800m last time but still finished close up and from a fair draw this time could reverse form with Curvation. The latter finished strongly from way back in that race and has to be included in the Pick 6 over this suitable trip.
In the next race over 1000m Jozi Hustle is a fascinating runner having gone close in a strong Graduation Plate over this trip on Saturday and now facing a much easier task on paper in a handicap. Isphan loves this course and distance and has a good draw. Ice Eater looks the other one to include.
In the sixth race over 1200m Oden has a fine record over this trip and should make another bold bid. However, with the Tarry yard back in form Pidgeon Rock could be a threat and if Epic Dream takes his place after his fast-finishing win over 1000m on Saturday he should also be right there.
The last race over 1450m is wide open and a few will have to be included in the Pick 6. The top three look to be Readysetglo, Miss Khalifa and Cut Loose and they should all be included in the PA. Tigermil, if she stays, could be a big runner and Lightning Rock and Golden Spiral also have the ability to go close. The Maiden Fire Flower is well drawn and improving so she also has a shout.
By David Thiselton