R1 My strongest fancy of the day unusually comes in the opener. I think King And Empire has a big chance, should come on for his maiden effort when a close-up 3rd in a race that has some potential to have decent form-lines, in 8 runs since there have been 4 wins, including the runner-up and the two that filled the back two places of the 11 runners. Check the Alexander stable website (twitter) for Ruby's comments later if you can. Man's Inn and Flying Tern could find places.
R2 Fairly confident with Norgay. Eurakilon not likely to be far off but for the places might be worth looking at Antartic Call and even Money Grubber with the blinkers on if he can break on terms.
R3 Weaponology has the blinkers back on but ran a poor race last time they were applied, albeit that was a WR race it does make me a little nervous. Hard for me to see which may cause a shock though that is far from discounted in this field, so leaving Weaponology aside I've gone with Global Shipping x The Golden Boy x Motoman
R4 For me the fav looks hard to oppose... Tamaanee x River Run x Gracy Cat
R5 I like the e/w chance of Bouclette Top here with Khumalo having a fairly decent record for the A Laird stable and though the 25 week break must be something of a concern, he has won both his last two starts when returning from rests of approximately half that time period. Santa Carolina might find one or two of the boys too strong but can't be discounted and she, along with Snowdon, could be the biggest dangers. Don't entirely overlook another Laird runner, at big odds, Gitiano, if only on the fact that he has won 3/4 on this c all over this d and gets the big advantage of the 1 box.
R6 Dreamuponadream gets the blinkers and yet again is favourite, something he has been in all of his 6 previous starts and though he could win he represents little value to me in what looks like a very open race. Plenty in with chances so I'll go with two at double figure prices but both are somewhat risky. My preference is for Devon Gold, very good comeback run, albeit on the sand, he has shown consistent form and has run well from poor draws previously, though that is the biggest concern along with the fact that this is his c debut. I think a fair e/w chance with the appie taking weight off. The other I'll have a small interest in is Fantastic Mr Fox. The rest has to be a concern as does the fact he refused to jump last time but, if the rest has rejuvenated him somewhat then, given that he has usually raced in stronger company, then in with a squeak if fit and well and raring to go!
R7 Another very open race imo where I'll chance Alascan Maiden e/w, as for others on the card, the rest is a concern but she did not fare too well in her recent visit to KZN so hopefully Gauteng and the rest will bring her back to her best which would make her a big runner here if so. Stable in very good form and seems to be some confidence also from the trainer comments on their website. For one with double figure odds, I think She's A Looker can't be discounted... take the sand runs out of her form and the picture looks a lot rosier and shows consistency.
R8 Lavender Landscape with Striker up from a very good draw makes plenty of appeal but, at the prices, I'll take him on with a small e/w on Rocky Stallone. Another where if the sand form is removed the picture looks brighter and back over this d I think he has claims from a decent draw in 5. Boy Boy could add further value to trifectas etc. The R1 e/w complete nutter of the day is The Fifth Day who back over this d, appie taking weight off and a good draw in 3 could well prove more competitive than his 40/1 odds suggest.
Be(s)t of luck to all
The following user(s) said Thank You: Bob Brogan, KitKat
Weaponology in the 3rd should suit the blinkers if you watch its past runs and think should make all the difference. Unknown is Masterly who could be only danger.
Barbel Run in the 6th is a very interesting runner for me. Has dropped down nicley in the merit ratings and the runs in Durban where much stronger than this field IMO. Think worth a good E/W bet...
