David Thiselton
The Turffontein Inside meeting today has eight races and there are some opportunities for punters.
In the third race over 2600m Understated is a rangy type who is improving. He stayed on well last time over 2000m and now goes over a 2600m trip he is proven over so he will be hard to beat from a good draw of two with Luke Ferraris up.
Whole Of The Moon stayed on well last time over 2000m and being by Elusive Fort and a half-sister to a winner over 2400m she looks to be the chief danger.
In the fourth race over 1450m, I’m Al has his first run for the Paul Peter yard. He has not run since January but his ability was shown on debut over 1160m when a close fourth to the talented Bartholdi with subsequent Grade 1 winner Battle Force a head further back in second.
I’m Al ran third when stepped to 1400m in his last start and does not have a lot to beat here so could make a winning comeback from a good draw. However, beyond him it is wide open.
Chief Rafeef will likely appreciate the step back down in trip and is well drawn. Right Choice and Signals have shown ability and hail from the top in-form yards of Mike de Kock and Sean Tarry respectively. Fast Draw and Regent’s Park also warrant consideration.
In the fifth race over 1200m, the progressive Royal Wulff is another potential Pick 6 banker. He is drawn in pole and after just getting up over 1450m last time the step down to 1200m should suit as he had previously won by 4,25 lengths over 1160m. His merit rating was raised only four points for his last win so he is probably now roundabout on the mark that he ran to in that penultimate start as he could only be given a maximum eight-point raise for that win. The dangers look to be the course and distance suited Oravar and the well drawn Down To Zero.
In the sixth race over 2000m, the highly regarded Reunion was tried with hold up tactics last time over 1800m and it worked well as he ran on strongly and just failed. It did not pan out perfectly and if he is able to be dropped out over this 2000m trip he will take a power of beating.
Ivalo’s Prince was caught wide in the same race as Reunion last time and not surprisingly faded. However, Muzi Yeni was absent for that run and is now back aboard from a good draw, from where he can run on well in his usual style and he should stay the trip.
In the seventh over 2000m, You Deserve It is knocking on the door and can go one better than her last two starts from a good draw over an ideal trip. Rabia The Rebel is capable and has dropped to an attractive merit rating so could surprise. Last Cheer, Senescence and Fasinada make most appeal of the rest.
In the last over 2000m, Lyrical Dance won well last time over 1800m and could follow up as a progressive three-year-old who enjoyed the step in trip last time and can do so again although beyond her it is wide open.
