Vaal Sand Thursday 23/7/15

Frodo wrote: Well most of us were worried that TT would not see out the 1200 - and he most certainly did not; still I think very few of us really gave Capricorn Ridge a chance over the 1200 - and from that draw. Rockinganrolling has posted 7 out of his 8 wins over this trip - so I guess one had to give him a top 4 place at least; both aided by what seemed a very fast pace - would like to know how fast they were going that first 800. Not sure what happened to Across the Ice - may be ready to retire

Well done to the few that survived the PS, BP and JP

And for the rest of us, I'd suggest that if you're in front, quit - and if you're behind, call it a day anyway - cause the last 2 races are real tough :dry:

Frodo , i think this track is a MESS !!! The overall time of the race was 76.24 sec . This is the slowest time i have ever seen for this grade of race . This class of horse (if the track is right) should complete the 1200m in 72 sec odd , today they ran over 22 lengths slower .

I reckon Trip tease will go 1200 m ... time will tell .

The other race times were all very slow . its time they ripped out that sand and replaced it with the sand that kimberly uses . Simple ...................

Until then we need to treat the vaal as a unique sand surface that suites horses that like a HEAVY sand surface .


good luck all .

What happened in the last race?

Sure greg lots of 66/1 winners here but not when the top jockey is riding an odds on who is on a horse that has already won 12 races.

Garett Murphy wrote: What happened in the last race?

Good question Garett... but I refer to the winner's return to form following very hefty defeats by the runner-up.

The lack of communication is the disgraceful aspect regarding the track. Not only with reference to the going but doesn't anyone in authority believe the right thing to do would be to update punters on the ongoing condition of the track, "improvements" that are possibly being made, how long they will take and how long will this "heavy/slow" going continue? Surely it is not too much to ask... and we all know they read this site so even if they are dumb enough not to think of it themselves, they now know punters would like to know. So, we're waiting, pretty please...

the track is diabolical and the place should close

Bob, define "diabolical" in this instance...? It is very heavy currently by all accounts which is resulting in slow times. That does not mean it is not raceable, simply that it likely favours some horses more than others. It is clearly evident to me that some horses are struggling to see out the distances and some proven sand horses who just don't enjoy the current "conditions". Today I looked for horses with recent sand form and/or who are proven, where possible, to go further than the distance they were racing over today, it didn't work out too badly. If you are privy to more info than me which shows the course to be dangerous etc then fair enough but, if not, then I fail to see how it is "diabolical". Far from perfect agreed but then good going is preferred to heavy going on the turf too. Surely it is the ongoing condition/improvements etc (as I mentioned in my previous post) that is important and on which punters should be informed.

sand racing makes for stronger horses and if you a regular beach walker you never get two surfaces the same ,similar but not the same and that's with the best maintenance,the sea