Clive Robinson
The race meeting scheduled for Thursday 11 August at the Vaal might not get every thoroughbred aficionado’s heart pumping, but it does offer great value for die-hard punters.
With two maiden handicaps first up, and a novice handicap for maidens and one-time winners later on the card, it’s obvious that this is no prime-time meeting.
In the opening event, a Maiden Handicap for fillies and mares over 1450m, Misty Cliffs and Silk Garden seem the obvious choices.
The former has finished in the money on four of seven outings and there’s no reason to believe that this Canford Cliffs filly won’t do so again, despite a wide draw. In fact, one would expect her to eventually shed her maiden tag at the eighth time of asking in this field.
Misty Cliffs is the highest rated runner in the field at 78 and it will be a rather damning indictment of the handicappers if she doesn’t run up to her rating with Gavin Lerena in the saddle.
Two other contestants, Outlaw and Up The Irish, also boast a rating of 70 or higher, but judged on their career performances, that rating is hard to justify.
Four-year-old Silk Garden, rated 64, will carry top weight, but jumping from pole position she could have a competitive advantage, provided she gets out the blocks quicker than ever.
A slightly more aggressive ride than what she has been subjected to so far, could see her show her true potential.
Brave bettors looking for a high-risk, high-return option, should consider Queen Britanna.
This Coup De Grace filly will shoulder only 52 kg, which could see her be competitive for only the second time in her career.
She ran a solid third a while back against a decent sort and if the penny drops, she will reward connections.
