Vaal Thursday

Chad Cooke
The second of the Highveld midweek meetings takes place at the Vaal again on Thursday (December 10) but this time on the turf. Phumelela stage a tricky eight-race programme where punters will need to do their homework.
There is no standout bet on the card as the exotic bet legs are all very competitive.

The main event of the afternoon is shared by the sixth race, a 66 MR Handicap over 2 000m and the last of the afternoon, also a 66 MR Handicap over 1 000m.
The sixth race has a full field of 14 runners with four of them seemingly in with good winning chances.

Topping the list is the Chris Erasmus-trained Uyagiya who brings good recent form into this contest.
The son of Rambo Dancer has had numerous chances but is still a one-time winner from 30 starts. Not a great record but he has some very good recent form and he has to be given every chance here.
Space Jewel is another that brings good form into this event. This son of Spaceship has won three times in 23 outings and has fair form over the course and distance.
However, he has drawn poorly and this could be costly.
Sarkozy and Run For Dollars have both done well in recent outings and if they can bring their best games to the course tomorrow then trainers Brian Wiid and Brett Webber respectively could have big smiles on their faces.

The second topliner is over the minimum distance of 1 000m and sees another full field of 14 lock horns.
Topping the weights with 60kg to shoulder is the Clinton Binda-trained Saint Stephen and this son of Western Winter could be the one to be with.
The five-year-old gelding has some good form and showed in his last run that he is back to best.
Saint Stephen contested a handicap over the course and distance and finished strongly for a close fourth behind Snazzy Jazzy. Binda’s charge need only repeat that effort to have a winning chance here.
The main dangers are Amalfi Drive and Barbarossa.
Amalfi Drive comes off a short layoff but he has some very good recent form and is distance suited. He is quick and is sure to look to make every post a winning one.
The four-year-old filly Barbarossa has been a little wayward since winning her maiden but last time out she showed improvement and if she is coming back to best she looks capable of getting in a blow.
Her rider claims 2,5kg which is an added advantage and could be put to good use here.

St Stephen should go close,wouldn`t go taking any short prices about him though,getting quoted at about 5/2 atm but would be looking for bigger than that before punting..

Place bet on World Airlines

does chad cook actually get paid for writing that article..mediocrity continues

pirates Wrote:

---

> does chad cook actually get paid for writing that
> article..mediocrity continues


And I see that Space Jewel has had a sex change.

nagboy the quality of racing journos in this country is a disgrace ..every week they use the same lines and all they do is change the names of the horses..the mediocrity continues

Total garbage - must have taken him 2 minutes to write

Horrid card today but Collect Call has come down four pounds in the merit ratings since being beaten only 3.25 lengths in a higher class last time. I give him a decent chance in the 7th.

I make Rifleman the horse to beat in the 8th. I know that at first glance his record suggests he is much better on the sand, which could be the case, but his MR has come down a whole nine pounds from hios last run and if that form is taken in isolation he is weighted to beat St Stephen.

The main event and the second topliner are my favourite bits..

Tempted to take up the trots, but every cloud has a silver lining

Lady Ameera looks the banker

National Lane 9/10 and 15/10 on offer

good punting!

50/1 shot in the first

Let the fun and games begin !!!

Hahaha...spot on Dr Who