David Thiselton

THE Turffontein Inside track is never easy for punters to negotiate but there look to be some fair opportunities for them in today’s nine race meeting.

In the sixth race over 1600m Ivalo’s Prince should be good value. He has always struck as one who possesses ability but has faced some good sorts since his comeback from a nine-and-a-half month layoff. Last time he was stepped up to 1600m for the first time but had a wide draw so the rider opted to drop him to last. He stayed on and was doing some fair work late. He now not only has pole position but has been dropped two points in the merit ratings and has a 2,5kg claimer up. The Noble Tune gelding should make a bold bid and has been made a PA banker. However, there is stiff opposition and in the Pick 6 August Rain can be included. This big rangy type led over this trip last time and stayed on to be beaten by two promising three-year-olds. However, he is 1,5kg worse off with Ivalo’s Prince for a length beating. Elusive Force is three points higher for his last win over this course and distance but has a 4kg claimer up and could still progress. Crank It Up is well drawn over a suitable trip and this is the easiest field he has faced for a while. Against The Grain still needs to bounce back to his best and if he does he will be a big runner. Call Me Master is 1,5kg better off with Ivalo’s Prince for a 3,25 length beating so looks held but could earn. 

In the first leg of the PA over 1800m Heart Stwings thrived in Cape Town and went close in the Grade 3 Victress Stakes to Silvano’s Pride when receiving just 2,5kg. The rest of the field were well beaten and if she is in as good shape after the journey back she is the one to beat over this ideal trip. Sidonie is drawn in pole and this half-sister to the like of Viva Maria should handle the step up in trip. Spice Market will be dangerous from the front and might enjoy the step up in trip because she is a full-sister to SA Oaks runner up Pomander. 

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1500m Kay Tee Perry is on the up and can follow up on her fluent last win over 1600m off a merit rating that has only been raised three points. Sparkling Water is a rangy and progressive sort with a good turn of foot and she can go close in just her third career start. Ululate is better than her last start and is also distance suited so can’t be ignored.

In the first leg of the Jackpot over 1600m Storm Commander ran well last time and is off a competitive merit rating despite being raised two points and he also has a plum draw. Banha Bridge has not been unduly punished for his last win and can be a threat. Waqaas, El Romiachi and Lear Jet are also worth including.    

In the seventh over 1200m Dubawi Princess has always had a touch of class and could still be ahead of the handicapper despite a win last time. Persica is distance suited and capable of turning it on so is the danger from a good draw.

In the eighth the exciting prospect Var’s Vicky faces some seasoned sorts and it will be challenging. Spring Break relishes any 1200m around the turn and comes off a good win over course ad distance. Down To Zero has mixed it with the best and is off a competitive merit rating over a suitable trip and he is well drawn.

The last race is a Classified Stakes race over 2000m and Governor’s Glory is interesting. He has caught the eye and although by Soft Falling Rain, who is a more of a speed influence, his dam is by Fort Wood and won the Grade 2 Gold Circle Oaks so he could do well off a reasonable opening merit rating of 80. Cairon has also struck as one with ability and could now show it with the yard having been in good form. Rabia The Rebel’s last win was over course and distance and she is better treated here than she was in that race. Twice The Act is the best weighted and also has a 2,5kg claimer up. In The Game has done well on the three occassions he has been tried over 1800m, so he is interesting stepped up even further. Romeo’s Magic looks held by In The Game but is drawn in pole and has a shout if bouncing back from a below par run.