The final race of the day is often wide open but that is generally because it is a low-level handicap with muddled form.
While Race 8 at the Vaal on Tuesday is competitive, this Middle Stakes over 1400m contains some really useful up-and-coming runners.
Among the three joint top weights is Duke Of Sussex, winner of the Grand Heritage over 1475m on this straight track. He beat some decent horses in that event and despite having 62kg on this back this five-year-old son of Duke Of Marmalade looks the runner they all have to beat.
Craig Zackey has picked up the ride on Duke Of Sussex and he has a good record on the Lucky Houdalakis-trained gelding. He has ridden him nine times for four wins, two seconds and a fourth place.
The outside draws up the Vaal straight are usually an advantage so No 13 barrier position looks ideal.
At the bottom end of the weights is Calibre Crest, who looks way above average. He made a winning comeback after more than 10 months off the track and looked likely to do it again last Tuesday. However, after heavy rain, the meeting was moved to the Classic track around the turn and the distance increased to 1450m.
Trainer Joe Soma opted to take his runner out of that race and rather go for this event, despite the fact it is a lot stronger.
When one considers Calibre Crest is unbeaten in both of his starts over the course and distance, one can understand Soma’s logic. His charge will carry just 52kg and has talented Gabriell Pieterse in the irons.
Unfortunately, he has landed No 5 draw and that could see him either having to navigate the race from what is likely to be the wrong side of the track or force his jockey to tack across to the outside.
Kinky Boots is another runner from the Houdalakis stable and should provide good back up for Duke Of Sussex. He has only raced four times for a win and two places but he does look to have plenty potential. He is also drawn towards the inside and could have the same problems as Calibre Crest.
Cian The Conqueror was well supported to win last time and was beaten just 0.60 lengths into fourth in a blanket finish. He was found to be coughing after the race and that run is best ignored after Corne Spies’ charge deserves another chance.
Clive Robinson
