The Vaal Thursday

apolcalypse now...

Jack Milner: That question of fillies-only form against the form of the colts comes into the spotlight at the Vaal on Thursday when She’s A Giver lines up in a Graduation Plate over 1200m on the Outside track.

MARCH 2, 2017
This three-year-old daughter of Philanthropist looked to be top-class when winning the Grade 3 Starling Stakes over 1400m at Turffontein, beating Maleficent by 3.75 lengths. The handicappers were certainly taken with it and penalised her 25 points (12.5kg) for that win.

She then went to the Cape for the summer where she first contested the Grade 1 Fillies Guineas but was drawn No 15 over 1600m and that already put her on the back foot. Gavin Lerena had to try and overcome the hurdle and he ended up taking her to the front. But after leading the field into the straight there was little left in the tank and she faded to finish 5.75 lengths behind Just Sensual.

Johan Janse van Vuuren’s charge then contested a Conditions Plate over 1400m. She was drawn well enough in a nine-horse field and off just 52.5kg she was weighted to win easily. She went off at 1-1 but despite racing up with the pace, again faded to finish sixth, 3.20 lengths behind Supercilious.

She then ran in the CTS 1600 and was again drawn well but finished ninth behind William Longsword. She certainly did not run up to her merit rating of 104 in the Cape. Also, if one considers how disappointing Maleficent has been recently then in hindsight, was that 12.5kg penalty accurate?

She has been lowered to a rating of 102 so when she runs in Race 9 at the Vaal, she is still the best handicapped runner by at least 3.5kg. Old Em, who also has a questionably high rating, is next best and is another 3.5kg better off with third best weighted, Apocalypse Now.

So, unless She’s A Giver has improved markedly since returning from Cape Town, her current rating cannot be taken as an accurate guide to the outcome of the race. I wouldn’t leave her out of a Pick 6 or Jackpot but I would look elsewhere for the winner.

Although he is coming back from a 72-day layoff that winner could be Mike Azzie-trained Angel’s Power. In his penultimate start over this course and distance he ran a 0.30-length second behind Rafeef, also in a Graduation Plate. On a line through Mike de Kock’s charge, Angel’s Power should have the beating of Apocalypse Now.

In that race at the Vaal he was ridden by Piere Strydom who again takes the ride on the son of Miesque’s Approval.

Really tough card imo .... some roughies to consider imo .... High Game in the 6th - tries the trip, but gets appie allowance ... on his penultimate can upset; then in the 8th I think Oculus must be a runner - needed his last run and has as much chance as any.

In the 9th, She's a Giver looks the right one at the weights, but imo is too high in the ratings and also may prefer 1400 - Apocalypse Now made a great debut and should go close if repeating that run - I also give Angel's Power a chance - on a indirect line through Rafeef, he could hold AN

And I have not read Jack Milner's preview before I wrote the above

Enjoy

Although She's A Giver did not run to her earlier form in the Cape she would have still run to a high 90's in her last start. She finished 4L behind Safe Harbour who is a 108. The CTS Mile form is muddling with horses running well above or well below their ratings. She also may have not enjoyed the Cape and is a better horse on the highveld. She would still be my firm first pick in the race and might also appreciate the drop back to the 6 furlongs.

The obvious danger would be Apocalype Now who destroyed Furiosa on debut who is via for favoritism is the Guineas. He is lightly raced and could have massive scope for improvement.

I feel these two will fight out the finish with She's A Giver being my first pick but would include both in the last leg of the Pick 6.

The problem I have with She's A Giver is if she was " fit enough " to win today she should really be running on Saturday

Is this a look and see if her heart is in it run ?

Bob Brogan wrote: The problem I have with She's A Giver is if she was " fit enough " to win today she should really be running on Saturday

Is this a look and see if her heart is in it run ?

correct bob us punters have to put trainers caps on as well

she a giver will be the flop of the day....

on my take i make MY TREASURE A BANKER IN ALL BETS ...HERE IS A SOLID BANKER ....

NEPHRITE...STREETWEAR TO FIGHT IT OUT...LIFE IS GOOD ,AMSTERDAM TO DUEL IT OUT...ANGEL POWER & APOCALYPSE NOW TO FIGHT IT OUT ..BANKER MY TREASURE.. LOAD IN THE REST...

Alex the Great in race 1 good EW claims :woohoo:

Trixie- Highlander,Maximizer,Secret Vision

Race 1 Harris nice jocks on his horses
Race 8 Flight Mode over 1000
Race 10 Shivering sea