David Thiselton

PUNTERS face a tricky card at the Vaal Classic track today as there are seven handicaps but the dividends should be rewarding for those who do their homework.

The first leg of the Pick 6 is a MR 86 Handicap over 2400m and Don’t Look Back will be going for a hattrick. This rangy gelding has not looked back since being purchased by St. John Gray as it was the long straights of the Highveld he was looking for.  He is by stamina influence Judpot out of a Model Man mare who won twice over 2000m so he might enjoy the further step up in trip. He has been raised four points for his last win in which he arrived late on the scene over 2000m in soft going. Port Key had a tough task at the weights in a Middle Stakes race last time and back in a handicap could go close if he repeats the form of his previous win over 2600m. Brand New Cadillac has been in good staying form and his low draw will suit his front-running style so he has a shout being 2.5kg better off with Port Key for a three length beating. 

The next race is a Classified Stakes race over 2400m. She’s A Cracker did not have cover down the back straight last time over 2000m in soft going but was still staying on well at the end for a one length fourth so is interesting stepped up to 2400m from a plum draw. Her sire Where’s That Tiger has produced a SA Derby third place although there is a not a lot of stamina in her female line.  Consol Queen was ridden from the front last time over 2000m but did better the previous time when coming from midfield. She now has a wide draw over the trip of her last win so should make a bold bid if dropped out or finding cover in midfield. Kool Baikal is by Byword, whose best trip was 2000m, out of a Fort Wood mare who won over 1800m so he has a chance of staying this trip and Gavin Lerena is the only one who has won on him so he could do well from a good draw. French Leave has placed in five of his last six attempts at this course and distance and has a fair draw. Plum Field was not disgraced in a minor feature over this trip last time and is the best weighted horse but does have a tricky draw. Liverpool Legend beat She’s A Cracker last time over 2000m by 0,30 lengths and is now 1kg better off. She tries this trip for the first time and although speedily bred does give the impression she could stay it. There are others who are hard to ignore including So Long Spring, Ideal Wolff, Chevron, Zernez and Zaberjad.

In the sixth race over 2000m The Sash comes off a minor feature win over 2400m but is still merit rated only 74 so could continue with her current good form. Good draws have always appeared to be the key for her and she has her second one in succession so should make a bold bid over a trip she enjoys. Curvation is in good form too and is distance suited and well drawn. Magical Flight looks to have plenty of scope for further improvement so it all depends on whether she stays this trip. Her sire Willow Magic was a sprint-miler but her Jet Master dam won over this trip. Fort Anne has Piere Strydom back aboard after enjoying the step up to 1800m last time and the form of that race was franked in no uncertain terms when Netta came out and defied her rating by beating a good Progress Plate field. Lady Amherst and Traveling Wilbury can’t be ignored either. 

In the seventh over 1800m Pamushana’s Pride was made the best of the day last time and delivered and off a six point higher mark over the same trip and from a much better draw she is made the best again as she looks to have plenty of scope. Have A Go Jo will enjoy the step up in trip and looks to be the main danger. 

In the eighth over 1450m Putins Promise has a good finish if things go his way and they could well do from a good draw of five. He has shown a liking for this trip at Turffontein and his only win has been at the Vaal over 1200m so he should enjoy this course and distance. Oscar Wild holds him on their last meeting over 1400m but the low draw down the straight might have played a part in Putins Promise’s below par run that day. Shortstop is well drawn and can never be ignored over this trip.

In the last race over 1450m the Dorrie Sham yard have been in good form lately and the widely drawn Royal Lily could produce a strong finish from off the pace to mow down an uninspiring field. Entente is capable of winning it too. Un Deux Trois jumps from pole and this is the course and distance of her only win, so she is the other one to consider.