Race 1
Race Summary: CLEVER TREVOR caught the eye when 2nd on debut over track and trip, and he won't need to improve much with the benefit of that experience to go one better. TRIP TO PEACE stepped forward from his debut run to finish 4th last time over 1400m and further progress over this shorter trip should make him competitive. However, a bigger threat will likely come from well-bred newcomers ACTUARY and MIDNIGHT FLYER, especially if the betting market speaks in their favour. Fellow first-timers ROCK MY BOAT and WINSTON'S WONDER, and experienced WILLOW CHARM complete the shortlist.
Selections:
#3 Clever Trevor, #5 Midnight Flyer, #2 Actuary, #7 Trip To Peace
Race 2
Race Summary: QUIET WINTER showed promise in both starts as a 2yo last season and is open to improvement after a layoff. She is one of three in the lineup with race experience and that should stand her in good stead on her reappearance. LOST FOR WORDS made her debut in a KZN feature as a 2yo but hasn't been seen since. She cannot be underestimated on her reappearance for a new stable, despite missing her entire 3yo campaign. Watch the betting on the newcomers, of whom FORBIDDEN FRUIT, MANURIKI and PERFECT MIRACLE are of particular interest.
Selections:
#6 Quiet Winter, #5 Perfect Miracle, #4 Manuriki, #1 Lost For Words
Race 3
Race Summary: Runner-up in consecutive recent starts, including once one this track and trip, FOLLOW THE MASTER wouldn't be winning out of turn. However, the same applies to 3yo filly SCARLETT HEART. The latter receives 7.5kg from the former so will be hard to beat if as effective - or better - over this extended trip. SANTIAGO'S PRIDE, HEROIC ACT and GIFT OF ROYAL have the form and experience to make their presence felt too. FUTURE SUCCESS didn't go unnoticed on her reappearance and remains open to improvement.
Selections:
#10 Scarlett Heart, #1 Follow The Master, #5 Gift Of Royal, #3 Heroic Act
Race 4
Race Summary: TEO TORRIATTE has found her niche with cheekpieces fitted, winning 3 of her last 4 starts, including one over this distance and the latest on this track. She carries a 7-point penalty for that recent 1800m success but that isn't likely to prevent another forward showing, with the aid of her rider's 4kg claim. KEY WORKER and FREE IN SEATTLE are consistent fillies with the form and experience to play leading roles too. The latter finished ahead of TEO TORRIATTE in June and is 4kg better off. ART NOUVEAU is unlikely to turn the tables on her last-start conqueror but WAGRAM is weighted to do so.
Selections:
#4 Free In Seattle, #3 Teo Torriatte, #7 Wagram, #2 Key Worker
Race 5
Race Summary: Hard-knockers INSTANT ATTRACTION and STORM AHEAD have maintained form and consistency at a higher level so will likely fight out the finish. The former benefits from her rider's 1.5kg claim but the latter's record over this distance may give him the edge. Veteran FLAG BEARER will enjoy reverting to 1800m and could make his presence felt along with GAMER and BOB LEE SWAGGER, who has bounced back to form recently with blinkers refitted (retained).
Selections:
#2 Storm Ahead, #1 Instant Attraction, #4 Gamer, #3 Flag Bearer
Race 6
Race Summary: Hard race to assess. Last-start maiden winner JOHNNY DRAMA is maturing and has improved on the Highveld, so he will likely be competitive, even under 60kg against experienced hard-knockers. Both AFTER HOURS and CLARKSON are honest veterans who also remain competitive under their resultant penalties. LAUGHING WILLIAM and VIVA DE JANEIRO are competitive too off their current marks, as is SPY STORY (reduced rating) and LAST GINGER (under 4kg claimer).
Selections:
#4 Clarkson, #8 Viva De Janeiro, #3 After Hours, #6 Spy Story
Race 7
Race Summary: BIRTHRIGHT wasn't winning out of turn last time over 1600m and a 5-point penalty shouldn't prevent another bold bid although 1400m may be a touch on the sharp side for him. PRESSONREGARDLESS is ideally distance suited and should again play a leading role after a last-start 2nd over track and trip. Veterans WILLOW EXPRESS and COMING IN HOT are closely matched on that recent meeting, so they shouldn't be far off the mark either. Hat-trick seeking PHIL THE FLUTER is maturing and should make his presence felt too under a resultant penalty. Fillies STARS AND BRA'S and GREAT NOTION aren't discounted.
Selections:
#1 Birthright, #2 Pressonregardless, #4 Phil The Fluter, #9 Coming In Hot
Race 8
Race Summary: Tricky. Best-weighted MAVERICK QUEEN has been out of sorts at a higher level but should fare better in these calmer waters. Returning WESTERN WISHES was in good form prior to her layoff but she does have a good record when racing fresh after a break. Unexposed SUNSET WARRIOR showed promise as a 2yo over sprint distances and remains open to improvement. SERRANO and UNICORN ALERT aren't underestimated after respective absences, while ORIENTAL BOUQUET could also have a say under bottom weight.
Selections:
#4 Sunset Warrior, #5 Western Wishes, #3 Maverick Queen, #8 Oriental Bouquet
Race 9
Race Summary: WARM WINTER NITE finished ahead of ONE FELL SWOOP (0.5kg better off) over 1000m recently. Both are effective over this extended trip and there shouldn't be much separating the familiar foes on the revised weight terms. The latter was beaten by BLIZZARD SNOW over track and trip last month and a 0.5kg swing may not be enough to prevent the progressive last-start winner from following up. Both RED BOMBER and SUNSET RIOT have scope to improve, so they could make their presence felt. Sparingly raced SLINKY MAPIMPI and enigmatic HALBERDIER also have the means to get involved.
Selections:
#9 Blizzard Snow, #3 One Fell Swoop, #6 Warm Winter Nite, #2 Sunset Riot
Best Win: #9 BLIZZARD SNOW
Best Value Bet: #4 FREE IN SEATTLE
Best Longshot: #4 FREE IN SEATTLE
