Race 1
Race Summary: JOUER DE FLUTE has been right up there with decent individuals recently. He may be dropping in distance but could finally score his overdue maiden win. But Vercingetorix gelding RACHETTU looks to be on the up and could open the account in his fourth start. Work rider Louis Burke has a solid record in these events. Xola Tshayisa is another with good form. He rides CASINO KING who has beaten JOUEUR DE FLUTE but is returning from a break. FINAL CALL is starting to improve and needs to be considered along with ROYAL CLINTON who showed earlier.
Selections:
#5 Rachettu, #3 Joueur De Flute, #4 Casino King, #8 Final Call
Race 2
Race Summary: An Open Maiden which is usually quite competitive. FANTINE has steady form and may be looking for a bit more ground. But she looks to have a fair chance of opening her account against the field she meets. AUTUMN RUSH went from a merit rating of 58 to 70 when running a decent race last time. She is well bred and she could now have learned what it is all about. REDLIGHT LANE showed good pace before lacking extra when tackling further in her last start. She has gate No 1 and may just be the value proposition. BLUE DAME and first-timer GQEBERHA need to be watched.
Selections:
#8 Fantine, #4 Autumn Rush, #1 Redlight Lane, #3 Blue Dame
Race 3
Race Summary: BEAUTIFUL ONE had nothing to come after racing up with the pace over further and that run is best ignored. She could bounce back with a good run if judged on her earlier form. But the one that could have much more to come is CUTIE PATOOTIE who caught the eye in her debut outing. VIXENS WAR has been a little disappointing but the drop to 1200m could sharpen her up. AURELIAN made improvement over further last time but could race fresh after a rest and give them a scare.
Selections:
#7 Cutie Patootie, #9 Beautiful One, #1 Vixens War, #2 Aurelian
Race 4
Race Summary: IN MOTION must surely get it right. He has finished runner-up in his last four races and the form of all of those races has been well proven. Watch out for MONTESSORI who caught the eye on debut before running a slightly one-paced race next time. He should relish the extra and could be the one finishing best. SPANISH VERSE stayed on over the distance last time and is open to more improvement even if looking for further still. TIME HONORED has finished ahead of IN MOTION before and has produced some strong finishes. He must be respected too.
Selections:
#3 In Motion, #5 Montessori, #6 Spanish Verse, #4 Time Honored
Race 5
Race Summary: Most intriguing race on the day. Classy Highveld youngster FIRE ATTACK is weighted to win well but he is back from a break and is prepping for upcoming Grade 1 contests over further and perhaps won't be tuned to the minute. Top-class sprinter TENANGO hands FIRE ATTACK 5.5kg and he too is prepping but he has had a run and could get back into the winner's enclosure. It doesn't end there. Smashing Golden Horse Sprint winner LUCKY LAD was third in the Cape Flying Championship over the track and trip and he should be running on nicely too. More can earn.
Selections:
#3 Tenango, #1 Fire Attack, #7 Lucky Lad, #5 Kaiboy
Race 6
Race Summary: PLAYING TRIX takes a rise in class but did win her third start easily and has room for good improvement. CATCH A PENNY impressed coming from well off the pace to win when dropped in distance. She looks a big threat again. RATTLESNAKE wasn't disgraced on return to his favourite track last time. His last form is proving to be quite strong and he could be ready for another strike. There should not be much to choose between ALL ABOUT AL and CAVALRY COMMANDER on their last run when beaten by promising Gold Giboski.
Selections:
#7 Playing Trix, #6 Catch A Penny, #2 Rattlesnake, #8 All About Al
Race 7
Race Summary: Small field but most look capable of taking it. DEVIL A SAINT must be a big contender on his last run when beaten in a close finish. He has won over the distance but is has lacked extra in his finishes previously and needs a bit of timing. MELA STRENGTH won his penultimate coming with a rattle at the right time. If in the same mood he could get back to winning ways. THE NIGHT FERRY has a bit to find at the weights but is in good nick and has no stamina doubts. GOLD INDEX and AVIGNON have run some decent races of late and come into it too.
Selections:
#4 Devil A Saint, #5 Mela Strength, #7 The Night Ferry, #6 Gold Index
Race 8
Race Summary: Trainer Lucinda Woodruff has her yard in good form and both her runners could be in the spotlight. BURNING DESIRE made good progress on debut and is a well-bred sort that should relish the distance. WEDDING VOW has come in for some betting support previously and hasn't been too far off. GREEK HEIRESS could make amends after only just being beaten as favourite last time out. She looks equally suited to this 1600m. SILVER SALUTE has done little wrong in her two starts and could be the dark horse. SOUTH OF FRANCE should be right there too.
Selections:
#6 Burning Desire, #7 Greek Heiress, #2 Silver Salute, #3 South Of France
Best Win: #8 FANTINE
Best Value Bet: #7 PLAYING TRIX
Best Longshot: #7 PLAYING TRIX
