Some big names making their seasonal re-appearances and some younger horses trying to lay down a marker. Some thoughts :-
R1) Quintay looks to be bumping the right sort of opposition and from a favourable draw should be involved in the finish. The danger could be Iron Henry from gate 1, races fairly handy which is a plus, has recently changed stables and is making his provincial debut. May need the run, however any money at race time should be taken seriously.
R2) Sovereign Secret looks the likely improver and winner. Does have All About Sophia held on their last run, the joker could be Looks Like Magic, however the Snaith yard will have a line on this one through Phil's Dancer who beat Looks Like Magic in her only run.
R3) Fancy Cross Court here. Looks to have been caught late last time out, ridden more conservatively might be the answer to winning. Both Veld Flower and Evening Song come from the Transcend form-line, unfortunately Over The Way didn't do that form-line any good last time out. With natural improvement Cross Court must be the one to beat at decent odds.
R4) Flame Tree, this horse looks really special. Think this is being earmarked for the Guineas. Has to concede weight all-round, but should win this. My punt for the day.
R5) Cane Lime 'N Soda off 53.0kgs should go close here. Admittedly taking on stronger company than last time, but I don't believe any of this lot are headed for stardom. For me the dark horse could be Green Archer.
R6) Hard to oppose Front And Centre.
R7) Should be a two horse race. Leaning towards Undercover Agent, however One World is a lively challenger. If racing eyeball to eyeball, Undercover Agent will prevail, he is such a resolute galloper. One World unbeaten over the distance and is 1/1 at this course. Dutching may be the way to go.
R8) Captain Elliodor from a wide draw. Made a decent come-back and provincial debut, should appreciate the step-up in distance in a field of mostly unexposed horses.
Guessing has never been widely acclaimed as a good gambling strategy.
Lovely day in CT, not much wind. Course will run fast.
Race 1 Iron Henry first local run, fair Jhb form, good draw. Quintay decent form. Camp David two fair runs but wide draw. Freedom of Speech fair first run can improve to challenge.
Race 2 Sovereign Secret should win this. Looks Like Magic fair first run and should improve to challenge.
Race 3 We have Fynbos here- will enjoy the extra ground and if not too far out of her ground from wide draw will be right there. Has been working well and ready to win her maiden. Cross Court, Veld Flower have solid form. Foxy Lady good form but worst of the draw. Contented Queen could improve this trip. Evening Song could earn.
Race 4 I think that the handicapper was very harsh on Flame Tree, and she has a tough task at the weights but is clearly a smart sort. Interesting that Cheyne is on Kelpie and he may be on the right one getting 6kg. The other 3 yo’s are all in with a shout. Elusive Fortune may be the best of the older runners. We have Grey Princess running- she is an honest sort and must have an ew shout in a competitive race.
Race 5 Cane Line N Soda takes on the older horses and should be up to the task. Very open if he fails.
Race 6 Front and Centre is the class filly here and is a worthy favourite. Most are coming back from breaks, so fitness could be key. We have Helen’s Ideal and Freedom Charter running. Both have good form and nice draws and run well fresh. They get a bit of weight from the favourite and will make her gallop, and I think both can be in the first 3, as they will be fit enough.
Race 7 Looks a match race between the top two, and I think that One World is marginally the right one. Open after them, and perhaps African Warrior can strike a blow for the 3yos.
Race 8. Peaceful Day is first choice- the dangers are The Second Wave, Captain Elliodor. Peter Paul Reubens and Fundraiser can earn. We have Elusive Joker running - will need this and horrible draw. Just looking for him to get some experience and hopefully running on.
The following user(s) said Thank You: Bob Brogan, CnC 306, kt6747
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