Clive Robinson
As if it hasn’t been repeated over and over again, trainer Gavin Smith is having probably his best-ever season and on a day when winners will not be easy to find it may be worth siding with Verified in Race 6 on Friday when they race on the Polytrack.
This Kildonan gelding took his time after having been gelded but has been in good form of late and only found an improving stable companion getting the better of him last time out.
The Fairview Polytrack over 1300m holds no fear for Verified and his rider, JP van der Merwe, knows him well so will be able to overcome a tricky No 9 draw.
There are three other possible decent bets on this card.
Trainer Sharon Kotzen is another in fine form and Makaha Beach in Race 1 and Ideal Angel in Race 3 should both run decent races.
Makaha Beach was caught very late last time by Emily’s Spirit, who had threatened to win a race all season, so the form is decent enough maiden form.
Jockey Mpumelelo Mjoka was aboard her last time out so it is nice they have kept him on the Mambo In Seattle filly as he will need to overcome a tough draw.
An attempted start-to-finish victory could be on the cards if she can show good gate speed.
Ideal Angel always gives of her best and she is coming off her best ever performance with her two-length win over the boys last time out.
The handicappers have given her a hefty seven-point penalty for that win and she will need to give weight to all her rivals.
It is rarely a good idea to go for a long-time maiden as a suggested bet and we are not doing it either, but Jack in The Box could pop up in a place in Race 4.
This Jackson gelding tries his luck in a Maiden Handicap and could run well over a course and distance that will suit.
