Race day review : Vaal Sand – 25 June 2012
Going (course variation): Fast 0.7 secs per 1000m – similar to the 12 June.
Draw: Results, relative to historic draw patterns, have been rather ‘unusual’ in recent meetings and that same trend continued today. The results in the 3 x 1450m races were contrary to expectations, similar yet to a lesser degree in the 1200m races. Middle to low draws again featured in the 1000m race.
Trainers: S. Tarry with his 2 convincing winners stood out as well as 2 K. Naidoo runners.
Race Reviews relative to speed ratings –
R1..Fairly routine, however Swordsman disappointed…slow away, yet still a poor effort.
R2..Performance of the day - Boogy Boy who improved by 10 lengths lto and by another 8 lengths again today…shall be interesting to see how he performs in open company. Road Warrior ran 4 lengths below expectations probably due to being rushed along from the start to overcome the wide draw…has often drawn wide yet put in good performances when running on. Marche and Shadow Mode ran fair / mediocre races to make up the quartet which paid a handsome R2006 (lovely).
R3..Golden Spectrum looked the value in an open betting race and won really well, improving by some 6 lengths. The next 5 ran close to expectations – average. A fairly good quartet at R649 (nice).
R4..Dual Alliance ran his best race of this month here completing his 3 timer, possibly better over this distance. Costsaver returned to his best, running to the same figure when he won here in March. New York battled on for third, and seems to be off his best, meanwhile Silver Specialist ran another ‘typical’ race for his 5th 4th during the last 2 years on the sand. (also 4 3rds). Son o/t Burg was disappointing for me.
R5..A slow run affair with only 1.6 lengths separating the first 7 home. Not sure that that the form of this race will hold up!
R6..Whilst Silver Model won this event really nicely I couldn’t have her for a number of reasons (mores the pity). Maria K was a real bargain in this race, even after being given a positive reference by 2cents in the tellytrack preview, she paid R7.30 a place (sweet) and was a big contributor in the R27 137 quartet…big pat on the back for Sherman Brown and his ‘ride em to the line’ strategy (will remember the race for awhile as double floated the 2nd and 4th, had the 3rd but not the winner).
R7..Another KN performer, Best Assured, replicated his best form in a fast run race.
Somewhat erratic form from a number of the runners, most notably Gold Game who has shown good figures yet has still to make the first 3 from 9 runs on sand this year.
Memghar did better, even from a poor draw (is it ? ), yet is still 5 lengths of his best.
R8..Savannah Montana improved (6 lengths), from a seemingly moderate maiden win, to win well, possibly more to come. Pine Shade a touch disappointing, but not as much as Fanzene, indicates that the La Volta is only average.
Jackpot and P6 very difficult to find with Mexican Glory and Silver Forest however the PA paid well, R372, considering only one TF was out (even though Heads Up had no previous Vaal Sand form).
Happy Horseplaying
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