Sunday, 11 June
TURFFONTEIN
Race 1
Race Summary: Both ETHANATOR and MIZZEN SAIL made their debuts against winners and should do better with the benefit of that experience in maiden company. GOLDEN PAVILION and MAMBO'S CALL are also likely to improve after an introductory outing. MK'S DREAMS caught the eye when running on well to finish 2nd over track and trip on his debut and with any improvement should open his account.
Selections:
#6 Mk's Dreams, #1 Ethanator, #3 Major Player, #2 Golden Pavilion
Race 2
Race Summary: Competitive. ARTICUNO improved last time with the benefit of a run under her belt but must confirm that to have a say on her Highveld introduction. LADY D'ARBANVILLE ought to have come on from her debut and should have more to offer. However, LADY ELLIOT, STRIKING ANGEL and THING CALLED LOVE make more appeal after promising debut efforts and are likely to be competitive with any amount of natural improvement. MARY'S GREENLIGHT improved to finish 2nd last time after a pleasing debut 4th and will be hard to beat if making further progress. Keep an eye on newcomers MIA MOO and RAIN IN TRIPOLI.
Selections:
#5 Mary's Greenlight, #4 Lady Elliot, #8 Striking Angel, #7 Rain In Tripoli
Race 3
Race Summary: Tricky. NEERAH was a fast-finishing 4th on debut over 1000m against older rivals and will have more to offer given that experience, so could represent the value in receipt of weight from the males. STATESMAN was backed on debut when only beating one rival home but would've gained plenty from that outing so cannot be written off. Stable companion JOKER MAN, on the other hand, finished an encouraging 3rd on his introduction and with natural improvement should be a factor. BROSNAN and KING RAHUL both have the form and experience to trouble their younger rivals. Respect newcomer VIVA SPIRIT.
Selections:
#7 Neerah, #6 Viva Spirit, #3 Joker Man, #5 Statesman
Race 4
Race Summary: Good race. FEATHER BOA sets a good standard and cannot be overlooked, but she does concede a lot of weight. BLESS MY STARS edged their meeting in the Grade 1 SA Fillies Classic over 1800m and is 4kg better off, so should have her measure again. RENY has a bit to find on that form but ought to make her presence felt on these terms. Progressive TULIP TREE is at the top of her game and also capable of posing a threat in receipt of weight from all of those rivals. Year-older EMERALD PRINCESS is consistent and well treated by the conditions, so dangerous to dismiss.
Selections:
#2 Bless My Stars, #3 Reny, #1 Feather Boa, #5 Tulip Tree
Race 5
Race Summary: A tricky contest featuring six last-start winners. BE REAL was backed to win her previous outing when fitted with blinkers and needs to confirm that improvement to be competitive. Both BETULA and PLATINA PRINCESS built on promising debuts to score next time out and should have more to offer, although preference is for the latter after her runaway victory over a similar trip. Stablemate WHITE PEARL fits a similar profile and is likely to find the Standside track to her liking, but both QUEEN OF CAMELOT and HEART PEAKS are better off at the weights. THAT'S MY BABY has claims after a winning comeback.
Selections:
#4 Platina Princess, #7 White Pearl, #5 Queen Of Camelot, #6 That's My Baby
Race 6
Race Summary: Wide open. Improving FRENCH IMPACT wasn't winning out of turn last time but is 3kg worse off with FIRE 'N FLAMES and drawn widest of all, so has it all to do. The latter is closely matched on the form of a previous 1200m meeting with PURE PREDATOR who could have more to offer over this trip. MAX THE MAGICIAN has been impressive in winning both starts beyond sprint distances and it should pay to follow his progress. JUST VAR, LINKIN NAVIGATOR and REAL RELIEF are all likely to improve after recent victories, so must also be respected. KZN debut winner MAIN DEFENDER is also dangerous to dismiss.
Selections:
#2 Max The Magician, #3 Pure Predator, #1 Fire 'N Flames, #9 Real Relief
Race 7
Race Summary: PUERTO MANZANO gives chunks of weight away but is still favourably under these conditions, so his class should prevail. Smart 3yo JIMMY DON was unlucky in a KZN feature last time but ought to pose a threat if running to the form of his course-and-distance 2nd in the Grade 1 SA Classic. WHAFEEF has turned a corner after gelding and could get into the picture if making further progress. Both RULE BY FORCE and PYROMANIAC should get closer to the selection on the revised terms.
Selections:
#1 Puerto Manzano, #2 Jimmy Don, #3 Whafeef, #4 Rule By Force
Race 8
Race Summary: IDABELLE was getting closer to a breakthrough but fluffed her lines last time when probably unsuited by soft ground, so could be worth another chance. IMPRESSION has been threatening and is likely to be competitive in her first start after switching stables PINK DIAMOND wouldn't be winning out of turn after finishing 2nd in consecutive recent outings, but it could pay to side with youngster SPRING IN HEAVEN who needn't improve a great deal going this distance to account for these rivals.
Selections:
#9 Spring In Heaven, #1 Idabelle, #2 Impression, #3 Pink Diamond
Race 9
Race Summary: Tricky. DESERT FOX and BROADWAY have had their chances so could be vulnerable to less-exposed rivals. CELTIC RUSH and WILLIAMSON fall into that category and don't have to improve a great deal to land the spoils. MANZ KNIGHT has been consistent and ought to open his account sooner rather than later, while FELIDAVIAN is another to consider on his Highveld debut having run in stronger company during his time in the Western Cape.
Selections:
#3 Williamson, #4 Broadway, #1 Desert Fox, #6 Felidavian
Best Win: #6 MK'S DREAMS
Best Value Bet:
Best Longshot: #9 SPRINH IN HEAVEN
Monday, 12 June
GREYVILLE
Race 1
Race Summary: BEVIES DELIGHT was coming along nicely before disappointing last time. The only time she ran on the Polytrack she impressed and as she is best weighted should have every chance. SUN BLUSHED appears a lot better than his one run on the poly suggests. He has high-class form and having been gelded could come out flying after a rest. Watch out for QUANDARY who may not be well weighted on current ratings but could be looking for this surface. MR HENLEY needed his last run which came after a long layoff. He has the best of the draws and could be the dark horse in this.
Selections:
#3 Bevies Delight, #7 Quandary, #8 Sun Blushed, #1 Mr Henley
Race 2
Race Summary: INVENTRIX shrugged off some indifferent performances with a win on poly debut. She won better than the margin suggests and could follow up from gate No 1. DOUBLE DREAM has been a bit frustrating to follow after starting her career off in good fashion. She was well supported and was close up on the turf track hlast time. If repeats on poly could get back to winning ways. EFFICIENT TRADER wasn't disgraced on her poly debut. She is arguably better over this trip but has no apprentice claim this time. KILEIGH'S FATE and QUEEN MERCURY ran well last time and demand respect.
Selections:
#1 Inventrix, #2 Double Dream, #4 Efficient Trader, #5 Kileigh's Fate
Race 3
Race Summary: Best-weighted VIRGINIA SWEET has run well on the poly and more importantly raced in a Grade 1 last time. She should enjoy the drop in class although she is taking on hard-knocking males this time. IMPOSING is holding form on turf and looking for the poly. He has run well in some high-class contests and would be deserving. FAMOUS AND RICH, once his stable companion, was only 0.90 lengths behind him last time and should also enjoy being back on the synthetic surface. He could be a threat this time. SAN PEDRO can't be faulted and goes for a hat-trick. ICE KINGDOM can also earn.
Selections:
#1 Imposing, #3 Virginia Sweet, #2 San Pedro, #6 Famous And Rich
Race 4
Race Summary: After winning his maiden juvenile TRUSOVA meets more elders in a handicap. He looks progressive and may just carry his big weight to victory. But JUSTFORTHEEPENNY is knocking hard at the door and may finally get it right. He was only just beaten as favourite in his last race. GILDA GRAY impressed on her poly debut and could make further improvement. But she meets males and is dropping in distance. VENGEANCE FOREVER gave signs again last time and just needs to get the timing right it seems. He has drawn well for a change. RODRIGUEZ had much go wrong last time. He can do a lot better.
Selections:
#1 Trusova, #6 Justfortheepenny, #5 Gilda Gray, #3 Vengeance Forever
Race 5
Race Summary: ZAKHO was unlucky to lose his last start. He appears to be developing into a useful stayer but both wins have been on the poly so expect another bold performance. BLAZING LIGHT will test this field to the max. He enjoys dictating, has won three out of his last four and rates a serious contender. If SHAVOUT repeats his last performance he could add to his tally. CATCH THE TUNE and AFROPOLITAN can also lead so the pace could be decent. CATCH THE TUNE can go one better after finishing runner-up in his last two. AERIAL DISPLAY and WARRIOR BLING can't be discounted either.
Selections:
#8 Zakho, #6 Blazing Light, #2 Shavout, #4 Catch The Tune
Race 6
Race Summary: TWICE AS WILD is taking her time in notching up her second career win. But her poly debut when second beaten less than a half length suggests she could do it soon. POPPY OF BAYEUX had the widest gate last time and the run is best ignored. She made a form return prior and having won over this trip she could be the upset package. MAGICAL JAVA looks to be in the right race and has secured a plum gate. She may bounce back to best. KITTEN'S ADVENTURE was supported in her last two when blinkered. She should strip fitter after needing her last run and could threaten.
Selections:
#4 Twice As Wild, #6 Poppy Of Bayeux, #2 Magical Java, #1 Kitten's Adventure
Race 7
Race Summary: Vercingetorix colt ROSH KEDESH is highly rated by the yard and has not done badly. He ran a fair race after a rest and could make a winning Polytrack debut. CUPID'S SONG ran on well last time and could be heading back to best form. He loves this course and distance. VOLDEMORT was backed in his last start but never got into the hunt. He goes further now and could prefer a less frantic pace so is definitely one to include. Specialist KNIGHT WARRIOR was cut into in his comeback run and back on the poly could show up strongly. FUTUREWOLFF could be anything on the poly.
Selections:
#1 Rosh Kedesh, #4 Cupid's Song, #2 Voldemort, #6 Knight Warrior
Race 8
Race Summary: Highveld filly CHATEAU FUTURA has been hard to follow but the well-bred sort may be looking for the poly surface. She will however need to overcome the widest gate. GIMME A LULLABY ran a good race last time finding only one better. SHAKEN NOT STIRRED was beaten a short head after a rest and is also looking for her next career win. She is dropping in distance and will need to be sharper. MALCOLM'S DREAM is holding form and may just prefer this shorter distance. She could be the dark horse from a decent gate. OCTOBER SONG and CONCHITA have both shown enough to win races. Open.
Selections:
#10 Chateau Futura, #6 Gimme A Lullaby, #5 Malcolm's Dream, #1 Conchita
Best Win: #1 ROSH KEDESH
Best Value Bet: #1 TRUSOVA
Best Longshot: #1 TRUSOVA
Tuesday, 13 June
VAAL
Race 1
Race Summary: HAWKBILL was narrowly beaten in all three starts and the extra will suit. He should be right there again. Similarly, both HOTARUBI and GEORGE HANDEL (coughing last time), who finished close up in both there runs should challenge. Good race. PEMBROKE is looking to improve while KIT KAT KATIE, PARADISE FLOWER and CAPTAIN EFFICIENT could get into the Quartet.
Selections:
#12 Hawkbill, #13 Hotarubi, #11 George Handel, #1 Pembroke
Race 2
Race Summary: EMPRESS GAME was heavily backed on debut but was narrowly beaten - she will know more about it. Watch market movement on stablemate and first-timer JASIRI before having a bet. TOGETHER AGAIN is improving with racing. SOUTHERN STYLE has been running consistently close up and should give another honest effort. WILKIES is looking for Quartet money.
Selections:
#6 Empress Game, #4 Together Again, #3 Southern Style, #8 Jasiri
Race 3
Race Summary: A small field of 8 runners take part but it could get interesting. ROSE FOR TRIPPI should be in the firing line going for the judge. She should hold WINGS OF NIKE on earlier form. Also the latter finished well behind BIG EYED GIRL last time who appears to have found top form. Stable companion MYTHICAL DREAM is capable but may need it. Honest runners, ROZARA and MAY QUEEN shouldn't be far off.
Selections:
#3 Rose For Trippi, #2 Big Eyed Girl, #4 Mythical Dream, #6 Rozara
Race 4
Race Summary: WILLOW'S WISH gives his best and should be concerned in the outcome. RAFFLES has matured and should have no problem with the extra - big runner. STREET ART was not disgraced behind See It Again last time and meets weaker - respect. ZEUS, IMPERIAL MASTER, MILLAHUE, PATON'S REARS and INDIAN WAR DANCE are looking for minor money.
Selections:
#4 Raffles, #3 Willow's Wish, #1 Street Art, #6 Imperial Master
Race 5
Race Summary: SAMOA is the 'safe' bet. She should give a run for money a should be in the shake-up. INSATIABLE was heavily backed last time but something went amiss - respect and include in all bets. CALLMEWHENUNEEDME is only having her 5th outing and could feature. LIL MISS MONEYBAGS, FEATHER THE NEST, LOOKING HOT and LOVE BITE are looking to make the frame.
Selections:
#5 Samoa, #4 Insatiable, #3 Callmewhenuneedme, #11 Feather The Nest
Race 6
Race Summary: Two year-old VIRGINIA BEACH comes off a rest and could outpace a field of her elders. She only gets 2kg from six-time winner LAETITIA'S ANGEL who will take up the advantage. ON CUE should be ready to give of her best. THERE SHE GOES is not to be ignored and warrants inclusion in all bets. CLEAN LIVING, GLITTERFOX and MANDALAY are looking for Quartet money.
Selections:
#4 Virginia Beach, #1 Laetitia's Angel, #2 On Cue, #3 There She Goes
Race 7
Race Summary: CLEAVER GREENE is highly thought of and is only having his 7th career start. If trouble free, should be hard to beat. On paper there should be nothing to choose between GODSWOOD and SHELDON and if the likely firm favourite fluffs his lines, could fight it out. CABINET SHUFFLE, CLARKSON as well as stablemates WINTER STORIES and VEGAS HI RISE are looking for minor money.
Selections:
#3 Cleaver Greene, #6 Sheldon, #1 Godswood, #9 Clarkson
Race 8
Race Summary: Tricky race to end the day. GAL GADOT could represent value. She needed her last run badly and if not flat should make them gallop. PHINDA MZALA has been campaigning on the Polytrack recently but is capable on turf. He is coupled with WHORLY WHORLY (runs well at this course) and RAMCHANDANI ROAD (capable if in the mood) who are definite money chances. Lightly raced GHOST SHIP won on the 4th time of asking and has scope for improvement, this his post-maiden run. MIX THE MAGIC could pop up.
Selections:
#12 Gal Gadot, #7 Phinda Mzala, #5 Ghost Ship, #4 Whorly Whorly
Best Win: #6 EMPRESS GAME
Best Value Bet: #12 GAL GADOT
Best Longshot: #12 GAL GADOT
