There are several attractive betting propositions on the eight-race card at the Vaal Classic track on Tuesday, with a number of runners on the day more than likely to capitalise on their recent form and gain reward for their consistency.
Magic Prince fluffed his lines when only 10th over 1000m last time having previously threatened to leave the maiden ranks. This son of Willow Magic had finished second in three of his four prior outings and on the strength and consistency of that form, is good value to make amends in Race 1 by opening his account over a more suitable 1450m.
Race 2 is a competitive 1000m Juvenile Plate in which Cliff Hanger and Heirloom should fare better after blotting their copybook at Grade 1 level last time out.
However, it could pay to follow Duke Of Marmalade gelding Qhawe Lami who has improved to win both starts, racing with shoes in front and unshod behind. He made a winning handicap debut in open company last time, giving weight and a beating to older rivals, so looks capable of completing his hat-trick.
De Kock’s charge, Gocekwithlove, in Race 3 could prove hard to beat if building on the promise of her debut outing but is likely to start at prohibitive odds. Solo Diva, on the other hand, has the form and experience to be competitive and could be sent off at an inflated price on her return after 166 days off, with Muzi Yeni an encouraging jockey booking.
Progressive three-year-olds Greenlight Magoc and Mo The Man are leading contenders in Race 4 over 1800m with the Swinger and Exacta route likely to pave the way to riches. Both have run well at handicap level maintaining their form and consistency after opening their accounts and are also distance suited.
Fabian Habib-trained Absolute Value, who will relish a return to 2400m, should provide exactly as his name suggests in Race 6. He failed to go through with his effort when given every chance over 2000m last time but a sterner test of stamina will suit this Master Of My Fate gelding down to the ground.
He has an impressive record over this trip and boasts solid form credentials over staying distances. Yeni’s ride holds top-weight Monsieur Chavelle on the form of a recent meeting, so should represent ‘absolute value’ in a race which is likely to see Indian War Dance, Nuclear Force and Manz Knight complete the Trifecta and Quartet positions.
Clive Robinson
