Greetings All. I think Bernie has not been able to finish off his races due to a lack of concentration and I am very optimistic that the blinkers is what he needs. the 5/2 looks good value in this field. Talk of the Town is very short but deservedly so as he ran a cracker on debut from a 14/14 draw not forgetting the red hot favourite that red eight finished just a heads in front of him. That's my play for the day.
The pen was at 20 before the rain, and I can't see this soft drizzle having much effect.
Not an easy card after the first 2 races today with mostly competitive handicaps.
Race 1. A boat race between November Storm, which can be excused his last run from a wide draw, and the consistent Bernie. Both drawn well. I'll give the vote to NS.
Race 2. Talk of the Town is the obvious selection after a very good debut from a wide draw last time and now drawn well. Doublemint chased up from a wide draw last time and faded and should run a much better race today. L'Histoire had a break since a fair debut and if fit should be in the money.
Race 3.Very open. Mount Keith has dropped significantly in the ratings and is another that didn't show from a wide draw last time. He may be a bit of ew value.
Race 4. We have brought Sylvanite back in trip as she has been over-racing and the faster pace may help her to settle. Hoping for an improved run today. Sun at Midnight gets the worst draw again. She is fit and well but needs some luck to feature today- the handicapper smashed her 6 points for just a half length victory and she has struggled since then off 74.
There is nothing at the weights between Essence of Life and Weston and they should both be thereabouts. Straatkind looked very promising before fluffing her lines in KZN, and must be respected.
Race 5. No selection
Race 6: Paddington has come down in the ratings and I make him the one to beat in an open race.
Race 7. Another open race, and I can't have the favourite at 16/10- on a line through Gimme one Night, Friendly Tibbs has him held, although he does have scope for improvement.
Race 8: A few of those with better form have wide draws to contend with. My top two are Imperial Chestnut and March Affair, but a few others with chances.
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Spring Man one for the notebook- nice looking horse-flew the last 200m and will be very hard to beat next time. What a Joker will also not be a maiden for long.
Full marks to Aldo for riding his mount out all the way to the line even though seemingly well clear the final 50m.
Race 1 - Northern Storm from Bernie - Xanthus returns from a rest could improve - Red Mars backed in both outings will enjoy the extra but needs to improve plenty to threaten top two - Wemibono had a 22.8 final 400 to finish in debut . Quartet could pay a bomb as a bit more open than at first glance.
