Turffontein, 20/03

Interesting card - last 4 races races are Handicaps meaning varying opinions - here's mine:

R1: Support for Pyromaniac - does not have to be too good to win this imo - Franca had every opportunity last time - but this is juveniles and any of the other first-timers can surprise

R2: Kelpie makes her local debut and although probably being aimed at bigger and better things - still the fact that Superman has made the effort to come and ride her, I think the plan is to start off on a winning note; certainly on her run behind Captain's Ransom should prove hard to beat; for me the 3yr old Bingwa has a lot to do at the weights, while Marygold has won 3 since a rest, but imo that was not against the greatest of fields, so the jury is still out on whether she has re-captured her 3 yr-old form; Tierra del Fuego has not run close to his rating since June last year; so all points to Kelpie - if she is not out for a training gallop

R3: Baby fillies - so as with the first race, anything possible; Hollywoodbound fair debut so should be in the first 3 at least; support for Kwazzi's Lady and drawn on the stand side, so must be included with the other first-timer Gifted Gal finding some support, and also drawn towards the stand side; roughie that could improve to run in the quartet could be I Am Royal

R4: Just listening to Nico on Clocking the Gallop and I agree that the filly Country Mile is the value; not a lot between Eyes on Tiger and Grappler, while it would be foolish to ignore Royal Wulff, even though for me he needs further - not any support currently for the debutantes, but that may change come race time

R5: Another Maiden, where it seems to lie between Grimaldi and the filly Irish Willow, who may prefer the shorter trip; not a lot between Track Master (may still improve) and Manterio - can't really find anything else

R6: Jacaranda Handicap; everyone is on Seehaam and I also think she will take a lot of beating - just some caution as we all know what happened to the Tarry hotties on Thursday; if she gets beat, many of the others have claims - budget constraints means that I may have to ignore Heart Stwings and Dynastic Light

R7: A lot will depend on how the track is running after the rain earlier in the week; last week the stand side was definitely the place to be, and if that holds true, I do believe Tropic Sun is the one to beat; Mill Queen is drawn on the stand side and on the Magnolia should at least give Winter Smoke lots to think about; others to consider include Double o' Eight, Che Bella and Risk Taker (inside draws), as well as Sheer Talent

R8: Interesting handicap, where most have chances; Portico as indicated by the Clocking the Gallop team has his first run as a gelding, so could surprise here; Zouaves at best this trip and with the 4kg claim comes right into it as well, but there is not much between him and Approach Control on their runs last year in the Hawaii Stakes behind Cirillo; there is also very little between Putontheredlight and Nordic Rebel on their last runs; I do think Willow Express is too high in the ratings, but the 1,5 kg allowance will help - I'm loading up

R9: Everyone is singing the praises of Mohican, and I have included him in my Yankee yesterday already (before I heard the Podcasts) - so hopefully it is a case of 'great minds'; certainly was value at 12's, but at 6's is realistically priced imo - pole position, dropping steadily in the ratings and Murray stays with him - so a lot to like; still has to beat the up and coming Cleveland, who won't roll over without a fight; Last of the Legend, Master Supreme and Silver Master others to consider imo, while August Rain I think found the 1800 too far and could bounce back to his best over the 1400 if Bling can get to the front from a wide draw

Enjoy

If the betting is anything to go by, then R4, Royal Wulff is past the post. Last ran in November 2020 over a mile, re-appears today, 126 days later, over a sprint and the money isn't stopping, you be the judge.

Noble Striker looked good

Flinders Range 25/1 way way over priced

Should have been 2500/1. How can a trainer enter a horse that is so slow?

bayern wrote: Noble Striker looked good

He always does - I hope he is not burned out before he gets his true ground 1600m plus - He is bred to be a stayer and should improve as a three-year-old - I see far too many trainers sprinting Noble Tune offspring when they show best over ground.

Bingwa...EW on looks for me

Bingwa.................hard to catch today

well done all those on Bingwa...

The money was down. The jock rode a beauty and knew he had to win. Well done!
Good to see Tiera del fuego competitive again

Well done to Julie for pushing the jockey for comments on his rides, despite his best efforts to try to get away. These jocks need to realize what and who pays their wages.