The big Turffontein meeting on Saturday gives a chance for punters to fight back after a spate of rough results recently as there look to be a few stand out horses on the card.

On the other hand if these horses fail, the dividends are likely to be handsome.

Al Sahem (JC Photographics)

The Gr 1 SA Classic over 1800m looks to be a two horse race between Heavenly Blue and Al Sahem, although the courageous Janoobi can’t be ignored either. The latter beat the former pair in the Gr 2 Betting World Gauteng Guineas, but despite being by Silvano out of a Rakeen mare he has a stamina doubt. His second dam Scented Royal is an influential speedster and Janoobi has inherited some of this speed. He led from start to finish in the Guineas and held on bravely to beat Al Sahem by 0,2 lengths. However, it will be harder to go from pillar to post over this trip, especially from his wide draw. Furthermore, both Al Sahem and Heavenly Blue will both relish the step up in trip. Al Sahem had an interrupted preparation into the Gauteng Guineas, so will likely have come on from the run and being by Silvano is likely improving all the time. He has a good draw too and has been priced up favourite. However, Heavenly Blue has struck as one with a lot of scope and caught the eye with his powerful finish in the Gauteng Guineas. He does have quite a tough draw but has been crying out for middle distances and is selected to beat Al Sahem with Janoobi third. Tilbury Fort is an honest sort who will enjoy the step up in trip and he could earn a cheque too and so could Unagi.

Safe Harbour (Liesl King)

In the Gr 1 Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic Smiling Blue Eyes sauntered to an impressive win in the Gr 2 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas and looks to have a chance of landing the Triple Tiara, such is her class. She is well drawn this time, as opposed to her wide draw in the Guineas. Bi Pot impressed with a facile win last time out. She should enjoy this trip and is tipped to be the main danger as she is still unexposed. Safe Harbour could also be a danger as she went close to beating the champion filly Bela-Bela in the Gr 1 Paddock Stakes over this trip. Her last start in the Gauteng Fillies Guineas can be ignored as she did not have an ideal preparation, but she is reported to be back to herself now. Al Hawraa was unlucky in the Gauteng Fillies Guineas, otherwise would have got closer than 2,6 lengths and she should enjoy the trip so also has a chance from pole position. Orchid Island will enjoy the step up in trip but has a tough task reversing form with Smiling Blue Eyes especially as the reversal in draw fortunes favours Smiling Blue Eyes. Babbling Brooke and Belle Rose could also earn over this suitable course and distance.

Legal Eagle looks hard to oppose in the Gr 1 HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes as a horse who is unbeaten over a mile and three of those wins have been in Gr 1 weight for age events. Rafeef is full of class and is not yet fully exposed so poses the main danger, while classy four-year-old New Predator should now be ideally suited to the mile, having probably been a touch better at 1400m as a younger horse.

Green Pepper is the most exciting three-year-old female sprinter in the land and the conditions of the Gr 3 Man O’ War Sprint favour females, so she looks hard to oppose. Two other females Ektifaa and Exquisite Touch look the main dangers. Chesnut Road is much vaunted and has been ultra impressive in both his career starts down the straight. However, he won’t be quite at his peak and has topweight to carry. Pillar Of Hercules is an interesting Cape Town raider who could earn.

In the Gr 3 Protea Stakes over 1100m Silver God gets weight from the winners and caught the eye on debut, so could be a PA banker, although the speedy Barrack Street and the classy Alfolk would have to be included in the Pick 6.

The last leg of the Pick 6 is the Listed Jacaranda Handicap and Negroamara is tipped. She has dropped to a competitive merit rating and this is an ideal course and distance. The classy Patchit Up Baby will love the course and distance, so looks a big threat. The best has probably not been seen of the well regarded Redberry Lane. It is also hard to ignore Banking April, Parisienne Chic and topweight Polyphonic. Skip a Beat has a tough task as a coastal horse raiding at an altitude venue over an 1800m trip, although on pure form she has a definite chance.

By David Thiselton