By Mark van Deventer
It’s something of an understatement to note that AIR RAID has a potent pedigree. This emergent sprinting talent is by Lancaster Bomber out of Inara, a multiple Gr 1 winning daughter of Trippi.
Candice Bass Robinson’s charge won on debut last year June, then followed up with some less inspiring efforts during Spring and Summer. He was not disgraced in those runs but lacked the expected punch in the finish. However, when making his 2025 return in April after four months off track, he absolutely blew away the opposition in a performance of real merit.
The reopposing ARCTIC WIZARD, (by no means a slouch) was left trailing in his wake as Air Raid scorched through an impressive closing sectional. If able to repeat the treatment second up after a rest, AIR RAID will be hard to fend off in Race 4, a Class 3 which opens the Pick 6.
Rivals include OLIVER who showed signs of a form return 49 days ago and would have a shake on the pick of his back form. DUMBLEDORE is proven at this class level but was given wind chill when AIR RAID blew past last time and could again meet the same fate. ARCTIC WIZARD is a potentially smart sprinter in his own right but was also comprehensively out finished by AIR RAID when they met three weeks ago. MAURITIUS KESTREL is a place contender.
TANNERON is proving hard to win with and gets yet another chance to add a belated second victory to her C.V. Cutting back in distance to 1100m may be the answer as she has twice surrendered late over six panels. Class 4 is appropriate for her current ability level and if Aldo Domeyer can hold her up long enough, then she may get home.
TANNERON goes in Race 9, which might just “bookend” the P6 as she too is sent out by Bass Racing, conditioner of the afore-mentioned, AIR RAID in the opening leg of the P6.
TANNERON faces stern opposition from PINK PIGEON, who would be a major threat if running close to the form showed behind Roccapina in November 2024. She has not been seen out since however, so fitness is a query.
TANNERON
LUCY ROCKET, coming back after two months away, is right in the mix too, as is PEACE OF MIND who earned a notably sharp speed figure at her penultimate – only to duff her follow up.
Diminutive filly, PRISCILLA MAISEY continues to slip discreetly down the ratings without running at all badly and Glen Kotzen’s long shot is worth including in single race exotics. Likewise, the pacy, LOVE SHACK can hit the board cutting back from six panels.
Many punters love taking Quartets (first four in precise order) as they can bet a little to win a lot. Unlike Jackpots and Pick 6’s where bettors need to call it right across a sequence of races, Quartets can be won based around a few good opinions in a single race.
Race 10 with 14 runners carded (GO IT ALONE was an early scratching) has 17 160 possible Quartet outcomes, just right to tempt exotic speculators.
The suggested horses to build the bet around are THE US OF A, RATTLESNAKE and TOUGH TERRAIN – despite the steadier of 64kg’s.
THE US OF A is teed up to run a sharp race second run after a rest and gelding, with Richard Fourie engaged, and on slightly softened ground. Paddy Kruyer’s entry fits in neatly at this class level and should be dashing home strongly.
RATTLESNAKE should be upsides of The US of A on collateral lines of form with BLUFF ON BLUFF. He too is a one- time winner from ten starts, backed up by speed figures to suggest he can win a few more as he matures. Aldo Domeyer jumps aboard.
Marginal candidates are GIMMEATHRILL; pace factor, FORT RED; COUNTER ATTACK; NIGHT TIGER, slow-starter, WORLDLY and maybe even the erratic, UNITED NATION.
