A compact seven-race programme on the Turffontein Inside track on Thursday 16 October offers punters a competitive challenge.
Several intriguing jockey angles could, however, be worth following, notably Muzi Yeni, Craig Zackey and Malesela Katjedi, all of whom look well placed to notch up doubles.
Yeni’s two strong winning prospects include Master’s Lady in Race 1 over 1000m. The Roy Magner-trained daughter of Master Of My Fate finished second over the same trip on the Standside track in early August, and a repeat of that performance on her reappearance should prove good enough.
Later, Yeni partners Obsidian in Race 6 over 1600m. The progressive Johan Janse van Vuuren-trained gelding by Erupt completed a hat-trick in mid-August and looks poised for another big run on his seasonal return.
Zackey, meanwhile, could also enjoy a productive afternoon. He partners Trajanus for Sean Tarry in Race 2 over 1000m. The Danon Platina gelding has filled the runner-up spot in all three of his career starts – most recently behind a well-regarded De Kock-trained rival when returning from a rest, during which he was gelded – and is overdue a maiden success.
In Race 4 over 1200m Zackey teams up with the Van Vuuren yard to ride Saragossa Cat, an Argentinian-bred Hurricane Cat filly who won smartly over this course and distance last time out and looks capable of further improvement.
Rising star Katjedi, one of the Highveld’s most promising young riders, is another jockey worth following closely. Fresh off a Vaal victory last week with St John Gray, the pair combine again with War Summit in Race 3 over 1600m.
Katjedi then partners Sunshine Day in the finale over 1450 for Brett Webber, whose yard has been in good recent form. The consistent Potala Palace mare has been holding her own in similar company and could provide the youngster with another well-deserved success.
With Yeni’s experience, Zackey’s tactical precision and Katjedi’s burgeoning reputation, Thursday’s Inside track fixture promises a lively afternoon of racing.
Clive Robinson
