Usual competitive fair from the Vaal - some thoughts:
R2: Judging by the betting, there are no stars amongst the debutants, so Born To Fly looks the right one to me - only 6 lengths behind Carry on Katie on debut -and that one is fancied by some to give Banadeer a run for his money in the Nursery on Saturday - fair value imo
R3: Count du Armagnac made what looked like a fair debut when finishing 1.75 lengths in front of Tiger Hotspur (who in turn finished just in front of Middle Earth - so take note of how ME runs in the 2nd) ; any improvement would make him the right one - slight worry is that he started at 45/1 that day - so any of the supported first timers could perhaps find him out - not sure what to make of the support for Golden Globe given that he will race in steels :S
R4: Not much between Wat's Up Sarge and Jay River, so both must be included; Lucky Mojo improved to run a good second last time - if she behaves at the start must be a big runner - Fair Archer could be anything, so the betting needs to be watched (especially after the field has gone down to the start)
R5: Very competitive fillies and mares sprint handicap - Tzigane is overdue for her next win and has 5 places from 5 runs over this trip - obvious chance; Margot on Stage now back at a competitive mark and needs consideration; Right Royal Diva is finding support again and a repeat of her debut (against the colts) is probably good enough to win this; Hello Polly very consistent and must be considered again with recent winners Spring Blaster and Tell My Star - either take a chance on RRD - or include (at least) the others mentioned
R6: De Var Hyt has a big weight, but has come down in the handicap and has come back to a trip over which he won his 5 races - does seem held by Kayhaladin, but I thnk DVH may prefer the firmer going - these two stand out imo from Strongmind who looks best over the minimum trip these days although all 3 of his wins have come over further; Greasepaint gets the blinkers and may improve - include in larger perms
R7: Lots with chances here; Start Your Engines has consistent from over this trip and will be my first inclusion for the BP and PA; Victorinox ran a cracker here last week over this trip and a repeat will see him go close; Nigel Mansell also has a chance, but may prefer further - other longer shots for me worth considering imo are Turks Turban, Viking Hero and Empire of Fire; lots of support for Glorious Victory, but he needs improvement imo
R8: Another competitive event (at the same level as the race 7) ; Inverno made a pleasing comeback after a rest last time out, further improvement would make him the one to beat imo; obvious chances to Due and Payable, Soleil Royale and Fighting Force, while the 3 yr old Campbell Black looked useful and could feature here if not needing the run too much after being gelded.
R9: Lies between Casha, Africa Blue and She's a Looker imo
R10: Burlesque is improving after a rest and looks cherry ripe now - Julie Doolittle has to give her weight and may also need the run, while Bags of Boodles comes off a very poor last run, but tries blinkers, so may improve
Enjoy (tu)
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