The opening races at the Turffontein Inside track today probably provide punters with their best opportunities, although the exotics will provide more attractive pools and are certainly worth a crack.

In the first race, a Workrider’s Maiden over 1450m, Light Indigo’s pole position draw will suit her front-running style. She will be getting 3kg from the boys and has very little to beat. She has a good rider up too. The main danger will be the gelding Play Misty For Me, who should enjoy the further step up in trip, but Light Indigo’s form looks a touch stronger.

Negroamaro (Nkosi Hlophe)

In the second race the classy Negroamara could be vulnerable despite it being an ideal 1800m trip, as this is likely to be a preparation after a close to three month layoff. The chief threat is Pagoda, who is a progressive son of Mogok and is drawn in pole over a trip he should enjoy. Amsterdam might have benefitted from his decent effort last week over the too sharp 1400m and can also be considered.

In the third, Unchained Melody showed early pace and hit the front over 1160m last time before finding no extra, so should enjoy the step down to 1000m from a plum draw of two. Seattle Seahawk over raced over 1200m last time and will relish this step down in trip too.

The first leg of the Pick 6 is a tricky maiden for fillies and mares over 1600m. Trumpets Calling will enjoy the step up in trip, but her slow starting habits are a bit of a concern. Sheema could attempt to gallop them into the ground from her nice low draw over a suitable trip, so Trumpets Calling will need to get after her early in the straight.

In the next, a Maiden over 2000m, the hard knocking Aristocrat should enjoy the trip on the evidence of his last start and so will the unexposed Student Grant. They could get punters through the exotics.

In the sixth, a Maiden for fillies and mares over 2200m, Prada Princess stayed on over 1800m last time so should stay. However, it’s an open race and Just A Jet, Hot Talent, Island Bliss and Eversilver have to be considered.

In the seventh over 1600m, Bold Viking could fulfill the regard he is held in over this step up in trip. Top Shot and High Drama have performed well against decent sorts. Life Is Good looks to have ability and Fareeq ran a cracker last time.

In the eighth over 1600m, Patric should be improving being by Silvano and his only win was over this course and distance from a similar low draw.

William Nichol is back to his last winning mark and could win the last leg of the Pick 6 over 1200m.

By David Thiselton