Vaal Thurs

Very nice summary as per usual by the Engelsman - one of those days where there will be many different opinions on most races - this is how I see it:

R1: Money to be respected for the first timer Cataluga as this does not appear a strong field of maiden fillies - one that did catch my eye as a possible improver is Final Cent - was supported in her first effort on the sand and could be worth including (at a big price) into those trifectas and quartets

R2: I think Spring Steel will prove hard to beat - imo Le Dominion ran below her debut run when running behind Heywot - so I expect SS to easily account for Heywot; that being said Heywot has found form and should not miss a place; agree that Winter Rebel could be expected to run into the money as well, considering that the workrider lost his crop last time

R3: Competitive handicap - both Viking Hero and Carter probably better over 1000m, so my preference is for Kapitan from Cohiba followed by Captain Sam and Barbel Run

R4: Off the Mark does look like she will do exactly what her name suggests today - 2nd choice for me is Cascadia, who is also lightly raced, had excuses in her previous start and could get closer to OtM over the 1400 - not sure about the KZN form, so Sea Fan not for me

R5: Another tough handicap imo - Gambol obvious chance with Captain Aldo, the two that I would look at 2 provide some value in the trifecta / quartet would be Kapellmeister - 4 lengths behind Moofeed in his penultimate does not too shabby - and Triptothestars - gets a tongue tie today after taking no interest in his last 3 efforts. Not really convinced by Hyaku and Fire Tree, but the smart move imo would be to load up in the Jackpot

R6: Not getting any easier - at least the top 5 in the betting needs inclusion in exotics - and like Englander I struggle to split them

R7: Very tough looking fillies and mares handicap - depending on how Off the Mark fares earlier, one could perhaps consider going with Close Relative - although that inside draw could be a killer; many others with chances so another tough leg of the exotics to get through

R8: One has to go short somewhere and for me Walking on Air and Inventive Girl stand out here, only other one that I think could provide some cheek is Dalalaat, who does meet WoA on better weight terms so must have chance of getting close to that one

R9: Another real puzzler of a race - none of these inspire much confidence, so perhaps the one to take a chance with is the Tarry trained Legal Eagle - 2nd start only, so at least has scope for improvement and there seems to be some betting support - if I had to include one other, I would go with Quid Rides

Enjoy

Favourite in the first shown good work apparently alongside dennis the menace

Spring Steel and Off The Mark look the part .

Hard to assess Fire Tree's soundness and fitness but that 1st time win has turned out to be a very strong formline!

Nice start to the day for the money horses

Like strydom to have a few places at least

Will oppose Off the mark with Sea Fan, small fancy for Barbel Run in the 3rd, Olive Leaf my pick in the 6th

rob faux wrote: Spring Steel and Off The Mark look the part .

Hard to assess Fire Tree's soundness and fitness but that 1st time win has turned out to be a very strong formline!

was my bet of the day as well

Is anyone picking up anything from the interviews Bet fair are cutting there coverage straight after the race so unfortunately hearing nothing from trainers/jockeys/owners?

tonyavanti wrote: Is anyone picking up anything from the interviews Bet fair are cutting there coverage straight after the race so unfortunately hearing nothing from trainers/jockeys/owners?

striker says his next best is gambol and trainer maroun says one yesterday is well should be right der.

Any thoughts on Who Killed Custer? - Just having a look at this:

www.formgrids.com/subscriber/fgRaceResul...hs=WHO+KILLED+CUSTER

dashing wrote:

tonyavanti wrote: Is anyone picking up anything from the interviews Bet fair are cutting there coverage straight after the race so unfortunately hearing nothing from trainers/jockeys/owners?

striker says his next best is gambol and trainer maroun says one yesterday is well should be right der.

Many thanks Dashing will try an e/w double on both 22.75 Striker and Peter have hooked up well recently and Thackeray has been on fire. I also fancy Warbash in R5 so will factor that in.

Good call Rob!!

Oscar, how is Notting Hill doing?