Ndaka has been the bridesmaid three times in a row but based on the current good form of Yogas Govender’s stable, he should be out of the maiden ranks after Race 1 over 1000m at Greyville on Monday, when they race on the Polytrack.
The chestnut son of Willow Magic was second to Botz – a highly regarded runner – in December and was expected to win shortly thereafter. But he was then touched off by Bless Me Fred when incurring a scalp wound.
He had no excuses last time, but the winner of his last race, New Orleans, was in receipt of 2.5kg so was hardly disgraced in being beaten just under a length.
Raspberry Beret is weighted to finish ahead of him but her runs on the Polytrack have not endeared followers and a solid bet can be had on Ndaka.
It could be worth taking a double with Thunder Masala in Race 3 – another Maiden Plate but over 1700m. This gelding, who incidentally also ran behind Botz, made dramatic improvement when tried over 1600m at Scottsville.
He followed that up with a fast-finishing effort on his poly debut. The telling factor is the booking of Anton Marcus. Whenever Marcus rides for Garth Puller there is usually fireworks.
All he needs is a good pace and with speedy Death Blow in the race, the pace may also stretch Highveld raiders Gimme A Dream and Apollo Eleven allowing Thunder Masala to steam home at the end.
The best value options on the card could be One Too Many (Race 5) and Ethiopian Queen (Race 6). The former again threw in the towel after looking good close to the business end and last time it may have been race fitness that caught him out. He should strip fitter and could maintain his pace better on the poly as well.
Ethiopian Queen disappointed followers at Scottsville after a fair run at that track. But she romped the only time she raced over 1000m on the poly and could give a competitive line-up a big scare.
Clive Robinson
