Race 1
Race Summary: Highveld-based What A Winter filly ICONIC WINTER brings fair form into the race and will rate the one to beat if taking to the track. PRICELESS PEARL and GALACTIC LOVER have shown potential at times and can get into the money. HOLLANDIA BAKKERIJ didn't do much wrong on debut and is set to improve. But there are well-bred newcomers in the line up and it could pay to follow the betting markets closely.
Selections:
#8 Iconic Winter, #12 Son Of Rafeef, #5 Hah Lah Lah, #10 Buddy Boy
Race 2
Race Summary: ROYAL SWORD turned in a game performance in his second start with only experience allowing Boardwalk Breeze to keep his head in front, it seems. ROYAL SWORD should have no problem with the trip on pedigree and can go one better. TWOCANTANGO also caught the eye last time. He ran on well over a distance that should be short and can make further improvement in his second run after a rest and gelding. JET BLACKFIRE bled in his second start and if over his affliction could show his true potential. More well related first-timers to take note of.
Selections:
#3 Royal Sword, #7 Twocantango, #8 Jet Blackfire, #10 Cheerscheerscheers
Race 3
Race Summary: MRS STORMIATRIX looks to be headed the right way. She ran on well when fitted with blinkers and should keep progressing. ACT OF GRACE was just touched off in her penultimate start over the distance. Her last run over 1600m which stretched her is best ignored and she must have every chance jumping from stall No 1. TIPPERARY's maiden win is long overdue and she keeps on lacking extra at the end of her races. But she could suddenly get the timing right. LEMON THYME and TAKATALVI have shown the potential to get into the fight for the win.
Selections:
#7 Mrs Stormiatrix, #1 Act Of Grace, #6 Tipperary, #2 Lemon Thyme
Race 4
Race Summary: SOVEREIGN GRANT could get rewarded as she has the form needed. She has also drawn well. But it is quite a competitive event. PERILLA caught the eye and finished ahead of the former last time. She could be getting back to best for an in-form yard. WARRIOR ROYALE can't be faulted on form and if anywhere near her best after a rest could prove dangerous. MAGICAL VIEW is knocking at the door and could improve on her previous form at this venue. Specialist MALCOLM'S DREAM is not one to ignore as she has won some nice races at this venue. ONE SMART COOKIE and rested CELTIC BEAUTY have claims too.
Selections:
#2 Sovereign Grant, #8 Perilla, #6 Warrior Royale, #4 Magical View
Race 5
Race Summary: PRANKSTER is in good form and should be right there again. She wasn't disgraced in a competitive race and could emphasise the strength of that form line. MAMAS BABY's merit rating has dropped and she needs to be respected. She could surprise if back to her best. JANE'S VISION has been racing against stronger for a while now and could take advantage having dropped in class. She has drawn widest. QUENTASIA won a nice race on the Poly a few starts back. She had things go wrong in her last two contests and is another that needs to be respected. More can earn.
Selections:
#5 Mamas Baby, #9 Jane's Vision, #8 Prankster, #6 Quentasia
Race 6
Race Summary: TROIS TROIS QUATRE lost valuable ground again last time but produced a powerful finish to get back to winning ways. He can confirm as he is fairly well in at the weights. But best weighted PLUM PUDDING, who was beaten 0.50 lengths by the former, is 2.5kg better off and must rate the form choice. Trainer Garth Puller has a few in the race but QUEUE WING is in good nick and carries a light weight. He could be the stable elect even if not having won at this track. Watch out for SKITTLES SKIES who has been on the upgrade on the Highveld. JP'S PALACE is worth a look too.
Selections:
#2 Queue Wing, #9 Plum Pudding, #6 Trois Trois Quatre, #10 Skittles Skies
Race 7
Race Summary: Youngster QUINN'S TIME won easily in his penultimate start and is a lot better than what he showed subsequently. Gelding could see him produce his best. LA MADDALENA has improved of late and has been making good progress at the end of her races. She takes on males but has a big say. PONGOLA has yet to win at this venue but has gone close. He met stronger before a rest and this could be the right race. IRON WILL and SHINY BOB have been trying different things and both have upset potential over this distance. ANGEL OF MY HEART and ULTRA QUICK can earn.
Selections:
#5 Quinn's Time, #4 La Maddalena, #7 Iron Will, #6 Shiny Bob
Race 8
Race Summary: Wide-open race to end. MOHAVE PRINCE has scope for improvement. He won well and gives the impression he will get the distance. RUN TO RIO was beaten in a close call last time. He has decent recent 1400m form but has won over this distance. MVELELO's second career win is overdue. He has run well in strong contests and having drawn well should give a good account of himself. TEATIME TIPPLE should also go well from a plum gate but QUERARI'S DREAM has a better record at the track, has gate No 1 and carries a light weight. RECORD HIGH impressed last time. TOTAL SURRENDER is the dark horse.
Selections:
#5 Mohave Prince, #4 Run To Rio, #11 Total Surrender, #3 Mvelelo
Best Win: #8 ICONIC WINTER
Best Value Bet: #2 QUEUE WING
Best Longshot: #2 QUEUE WING
