By Mark van Deventer
Pace presser, SOLOMON’S SEAL (1) should go well in this competitive Class 3 as he has drawn the rail. He will be striving to get out of the second box after a string of near misses.
Eric Sand’s entry will try exact revenge over THE GREY KING (6) who is also a feisty front-runner, and the speedy, now gelded 3Y0, CAPTAIN WEST (7) who reverts to his optimal trip.
All three are ridden by accomplished, senior jockeys, so it is unlikely they will go outrageously fast and cause a pace meltdown, but the early tempo should still be quite brisk.
MAKAZOLE (4) and course and distance suited, TOUT A FAIT (9) have also done their best work when stalking, though they will probably let the speed go and get in the trail.
The same applies to class-dropper, ROSH KEDESH (5) and BIG UNIT (8) who have been consistent in these types of races, albeit somewhat unlucky when failing to obtain clear running a few times. Watch for them to be dashing home late.
The progressive and tactically versatile 3YO, LET IT BE SAID (10); and adaptable, SONG TO THE MOON (11) are enjoying a productive summer and the capable but erratic, FIBONACCI (12) also have it in them to make closing rallies from wider out. They will appreciate a very lively early tempo.
LIGHTNING GLOW (2) got a solid par score for the class at his penultimate over 1800m. He is well drawn and gets the services of excellent horsewoman, Rachel Venniker but may struggle to confirm his peak rating over this shorter journey eve with a strong early pace.
THAT’S MY BABY (3) despite a big number at Turffontein way back in May ’24, and PHUTULICIOUS (13) with an uninspiring local debut, both appear to have lost form, so can be X’’d .
They’d need to show way more “vuma” to contend in this hot Class 3, which is part of PA, Bipot, P4 and P6 sequences.
MARK VAN DEVENTER’S SELECTIONS:
11 1 10 7 12