TOP BET
Race 1: QEYAADAH(7)
Jockey: Weichong MARWING – Trainer: Mike DE KOCK
A competitive maiden juvenile plate kicks off proceedings on this major occasion and an exciting finish is on the cards. The Mike de Kock charge QEYAADAH went off as favourite and finished runner-up in both his starts to date. He was again hopelessly green when trying the turn over seven furlongs on the polytrack second time out and after drifting very wide in the home straight, he eventually got into his best stride and ran on well for 2nd behind the highly rated Paperback Writer (runs in Grade 1 Gold Medallion later). The step-up to the mile will be ideal for the imported chestnut colt who clear- ly has plenty of ability. His grass experience on debut should be vital and he jumps from a good draw.
Race 3: ROY’S WINTER PAT(9)
Jockey: Keagan DE MELO – Trainer: Dennis DRIER
ROY’S WINTER PATCH was given a classy ride by his apprentice as he easily beat his stablemate over a mile on the polytrack last time out. That victory earned him a three pound penalty but he still has plenty more to offer at handicap level and more importantly, is probably even better over this shorter trip. The son of Western Winter will easily handle this rise in class and he finished runner-up in his only run on this track. He has obvious claims from a handy draw.
Race 5: CLOTH OF CLOUD(3)
Jockey: S’manga KHUMALO – Trainer: Sean TARRY
The unbeaten Gauteng raider CLOTH OF CLOUD has already travelled with success and she appears a top prospect in the making. She returned to her hometown and was impressive in notching up back-to-back feature wins after cruising to victory on debut in the Cape. The Sean Tarry inmate has her peak outing here and though she takes on some useful sorts, she is back facing her own sex today. The daughter of Captain Al should love racing on this testing circuit and she could prove to be very hard to beat.
Race 7: CARRY ON ALICE(1)
Jockey: S’manga KHUMALO – Trainer: Sean TARRY
The brilliant four-year-old filly CARRY ON ALICE thrashed a field of male rivals en route to another Grade 1 victory over five furlongs on the Highveld, five weeks ago. She has certainly recovered from her tad disappointing Cape escapade and now has her peak outing back in this province. The defending champion has this contest at her mercy at the weights and she will take a power of beating. That said, there are some other very classy and still improving types who could make their presence felt.
VALUE BET (EACH WAY) FOR TODAY: