Trainer Johan Janse van Vuuren has a decent hand in Race 6, a MR 84 Handicap over 1600m, on the Turffontein Inside track on Thursday.
He sends out both Kudzu and Obsidian, and both horses are improving and in good form.
Inside draws are like gold at this track, and both runners have secured excellent positions. Kudzu has performed slightly better than his stable companion so far, with two wins from 13 starts, but he is giving Obsidian 3.5kg.
Kudzu has already proven himself effective at this track, with two wins and two runner-up finishes in just five starts. He has also won over this course and distance. However, it is Obsidian — who has S’manga Khumalo in the irons — that could be the one to watch in this race.
The Erupt gelding has run well for Khumalo before, with a win and a third-place finish in their two outings together. Obsidian was a bit of a disappointment when finishing only third last time out, but he may not have appreciated the soft going that day. Conditions will be much firmer this time, and he could get the run of the race.
The improving Unsolved Riddle could follow up in Race 7, a MR Handicap over 1600m. The five-year-old gelding has had only two starts for trainer Grant Maroun and was a winner last time out. Blinkers were removed, and he was an easy winner at the Vaal Classic over 1600m two weeks ago. He was only raised three points for that win, and champion apprentice Trent Mayhew takes the ride.
Clive Robinson
